Ernie Els will be demanding an apology from Ian Poulter after revealing Poulter’s negative Wentworth comments were a personal attack on the triple Major winner.
Els was in charge of the ‘Burma Road’ redesign but was forced into damage control mode after the second round when Poulter slammed changes to the course.
Poulter had just doubled the last on Friday before very inflamed remarks that included saying: “I don’t like this golf course, period. End of story.”
Ernie Els speaks to reporters at Wentworth and revealing he'll be seeking an apology from Ian Poulter
Els ended his BMW PGA appearance birding his closing two holes in a final round 70 for a one over par tally.
And for a second day running, the South African played alongside former Wentworth winner, Paul Casey who was also critical of Els’ initiated changes.
But it was Poulter clearly in Els’ sights when asked if he took Poulter’s outburst personally.
It’s difficult not to take it personally and especially if it’s coming out of left field.
“When a guy double bogeys the last, and he doesn’t hit the right shot, and then he blames the golf course for his bad shots,” said Els.
“So I don’t take that lightly.
“We’ll have a word when it is suitable, and when Ian’s calmed down a little bit, and maybe reflects on the week because his comments have done a lot of damage to the flagship event.
“He’s also a Ryder Cup player. So to come out with comments like that is uncalled for, and he should think twice when he does that.
“Maybe he should take 10 minutes after he’s made a double and calm down first. I’ve done the same and it’s difficult to keep your composure, and he obviously lost his composure.
“I said to Paul (Casey), and I’ve played with the last two days, and I said to him rather than getting on a stage and talking to the world come to me with some constructive criticism and we will listen.
“But I’m not going to take this craziness. It’s uncalled for.”
However Els was thrilled the week unfolded with the world’s top two golfers in Lee Westwood and Luke Donald vying for the title.
“It gives me sense of pride to see the top two players up there on the board, and they’re going to turn this week into a huge positive,” said Els.
“Lee and Luke have not got into the mud throwing, and have just applied themselves to playing golf on a very tough golf course.
“So the guys on their games are enjoying their challenge out there.
“And to see the two best players in the world slugging it out at the Tour’s home, and in the flagship event, is something very, very special.”
Els also confirmed his design team will sit down over the ensuing 12 months to look at what other changes or alterations can be made to the course ahead of the 2012 BMW PGA.
