Winning majors isn’t easy, even for the “Big Easy,” Ernie Els.
The 40-year-old South African has three. But with six runner-ups and 11 other top-fives, it’s staggering to consider how many Els might have won. His golden opportunity came in the Tiger Woods drought years (2003-04), when Els contended in seven of eight majors, but failed to win.
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Els’ chances dwindled in succeeding years as he suffered a torn ACL, became distracted by business interests, and more involved with son, Ben, who has autism.
But in winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Monday, Els signaled he’s ready to compete for majors again. Here’s a good omen for Els at Augusta: He is the first player to win two events on the Florida Swing since Woods (2001), who followed up his Sunshine State success that year with a win in the Masters.
With Woods returning to the tour next week at Augusta, will he have to battle Els as much as his own rust?
Els’ recent success comes after establishing roots in Florida, where he moved to get better care for his son. Formerly a globetrotter who split time between the European and PGA tours and maintained residences in South Africa and England, Els is thriving with a less ambitious schedule.
“I’m not traveling as much and I’m playing a lot,” Els said. “I’m in my prime now.”
