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Ernie heads East

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 13: Ernie Els during Round 2 of the 2017 BMW SA Open Championship at Glendower Golf Club on January 13, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (EDITORS NOTE: For free editorial use. Not available for sale. No commercial usage.) (Photo by Luke Walker/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images)

Ernie Els is at Sentosa Golf Club this week for the Singapore Open, where he’s been a runner up twice in the past.

‘I’ve played in this tournament a handful of times, though not since 2011, and I’ve had a couple of near-misses, finishing second in 2006 and 2008. It’s great to be back and to have another shot at the title,’ he said. ’I’ve had a great time here and love the city, the course. This year it’s in unbelievable condition and it’s amazing how far they’ve come.’

The Big Easy hosted the SA Open last week, where he missed the cut by one shot. He’s looking to improve on the good form he displayed at Glendower Golf Club.

’In terms of my own game I played a lot of good stuff out there and made a lot of birdies, which was nice. Unfortunately a few bogeys at the wrong time cost me and coming up 18 on Friday I was stymied with a tree in my line, so was only able to make a five. At the time I thought that may still be good enough, but sadly the cut-line moved,’ he lamented.

This week the tournament is played on a seaside layout, which has always suited Els’ game. He knows the course well and is keen to contend, but there are heavy hitters teeing up.

‘They’ve got a nice field assembled, with obviously a lot of talented Asian Tour players. My old buddy Adam Scott, a three-time winner of this event, is here too. So is Sergio Garcia. As I said, it’s shaping up to be a very enjoyable week and hats off to the Asian Tour for putting on such a good show for us,’ he said.

Els’ knowledge of the layout and where to play are crucial. There are wide fairways and large greens, but placing your ball int he right shots is crucial. Shot making will be a premium in Singapore.

‘I’ve always been a fan of this golf course, which is one of the best in the entire continent. They’ve revamped the layout a bit over the years, but that’s only improved it, and the good thing is it hasn’t changed so much that I don’t feel comfortable as soon as I tee it up here,’ he said.

“So many great holes out there, especially around the harbour. It’s not the easiest to make birdies.” – @TheBig_Easy #SingOpen #whereitsAT pic.twitter.com/AJzM3vfIsC

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) January 18, 2017

Adam Scott is the tournament favourite, having won in 2005, 2006, and 2010. The 13-time PGA Tour winner last played the event in 2012 and finished fifth.

‘You come with that confidence in the back of your mind that you can do it and overcome the challenges of the golf course,’ said the Australian. ‘Try not to overthink anything is the key with golf. You don’t want to ruin the good vibes that I have here, so I try not to put any extra pressure to try and contend.’

The world number seven was hoping to win for an unprecedented fourth time and knew all too well the issues he’ll face in doing so.

‘Play my game, not get in my own way. Sometimes it is easier at courses where you’ve hit so many good shots, it all falls into place. There are so many nice feelings for me coming back to this golf course,’ he said.

‘I’ve managed to play well here,’ he added. ‘I stand on the tee and my ball ends up in the fairway more often than not over the years. I have a strong connection here and it’s a tournament that I very much enjoy, a great course, and all of these things contribute to making my decision on where to play.’