Two-time US Open champion Ernie Els has been granted an exemption into the 2019 US Open for his 27th appearance in the national championship.
Winner of the 1994 event at Oakmont and then again in ’97 at Congressional, Els has a rich history with this Major championship during which he posted ten Top 10s.
Els’ win at the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes ensured that he would be eligible for the US Open until 2017, where he finished T55 at Erin Hills.
The USGA offered Els a spot at Shinnecock Hills to continue his remarkable run, and despite missing the cut after rounds of 78 and 79, they have once again extended the invite for this year’s championship at Pebble Beach, the 119th playing of the tournament.
The 2019 Presidents Cup captain has shone at Pebble Beach including when he finished third in the 2010 US Open.
With Dustin Johnson imperious in front with 18 to play, Els got himself into the picture as the big-hitting American wobbled. Els then endured his own late struggles as bogeys at 14 and then 17 cost him a place in the playoff with Graeme McDowell.
The Big Easy is enjoying a good season with just three missed cuts from 11 events. He has also banked a top 10 at the European Tour’s Maybank Championship.
Brooks Koepka is the double-defending champion.
Photo: Luke Walker/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images
