Ernie Els won’t go away quietly in what might be his last Masters. South Africa’s favourite golfing son added a second round 75, to add to his opening 72, to surely make the weekend cut.

Els is a four-time Major champion and was always touted as a potential Masters champion, but hasn’t happened. Yet. But, the 47-year-old has performed superbly after two days at Augusta, where plenty big names will miss the cut.

Els, after signing for a first round 72 on one of the toughest opening days in years given the weather conditions, was one of the earlier starters in round two.

He was immediately under pressure, making bogey at the first hole, he then made birdie at the par-five second, before three pars that left him at even par for the round after five holes.

A bogey at the short sixth and three more pars saw the South African turn in 37. Another three pars followed as he negotiated Amen Corner without too much collateral damage, but Els bogeyed three of the last six holes – interspersed by a birdie on the par five 15th – to finish with a 75.