Ernie Els has received the U.S. Open twice and a pair of Claret Jugs, so this week’s U.S. Senior Open at Newport Nation Membership ought to swimsuit his sport properly.
Els in contrast Newport to Royal Troon, the positioning of this yr’s Open Championship, as Newport, like Troon, sits proper on the coast, that means the weather have a fantastic influence on the course. The wind will gust off the Atlantic, creating havoc at instances. However that will even require gamers to maintain the ball low and run it into the greens, very like what golf followers see in Scotland each summer season for The Open.
“The best way you’re going to should play the course could be very a lot hyperlinks type, and the course is designed that method,” Els assessed on Tuesday.
“It’s a golf course the place you possibly can play the ball on the bottom, not like final yr and regular U.S. Opens, the place we play the ball within the air. It’s going to be a distinct style this week. The wind goes to play an enormous issue. Greens are very up, and there’s a number of slope on them. In order that wind, when it comes, it’s going to be tough across the greens.
“There’s a little bit of room for us off the tee, which is sweet. As any person that’s performed within the wind, any person that’s used to British Open sort of golf, you’re going to should hit these little 4-iron photographs that can run 20, 30, 40 yards. Those that are snug enjoying within the wind will most likely do effectively this week.”
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Of the 5 senior majors, the one one Els has not recorded a top-10 end in is the U.S. Senior Open. But, he has posted prime 20 finishes within the final three iterations, together with his finest end being a T-12 at SentryWorld Golf Course in Wisconsin final yr.
He has not but triumphed in a senior main however has come shut. Earlier this yr, Els tied for third on the Areas Custom. The South African then completed six strokes again of Richard Bland on the Senior PGA Championship, tying for sixth.
However he has picked up a pair of victories on the PGA Tour Champions since then, successful the Principal Charity Traditional and the American Household Insurance coverage Championship in back-to-back weeks in early June.
“I’ve been enjoying first rate golf. Simply began driving the golf ball higher, so giving myself extra alternative out of the quick grass to assault among the flags,” Els stated of his current stretch.
“I made some good putts within the wins, and even after I didn’t win, I’ve been placing fairly steadily. Simply issues are just a little bit extra in form. My general sport is in higher form.”
Contemplating his sport is rounding into type on the proper time and that Els loves the format of this course, don’t be stunned if ‘The Huge Simple’ prevails for his first main title at Newport Nation Membership this week.
On the very least, he ought to contend so long as he can management his golf ball within the wind. However he has confirmed to have completed so earlier than, so there’s no purpose to consider he is not going to once more this week.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. You should definitely take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.
