Augusta, GA …
Ernie Els admits his 23-year Masters relationship was not the right blend and knowing now he will need to capture a fifth Major Championship or capture a PGA Tour event in the ensuing twelve months if he’s to return to Augusta National
Els finished at the tail of the field with a closing round 78 for a 20-over par tally.
It was the South African’s poorest result when making the halfway cut in the year’s traditional first Major while his final round effort came a day after posting his highest score of an 11-over par 83 in 80 rounds of competition.
The 47-year old managed just two birdies on the last day and admitted he struggled finding the enthusiasm to get out of bed in readiness for his 10.05am tee time.
“It was tough getting out of the sack this morning and it’s been tough two days”, he said smiling.
“But to shoot a score like six over is pretty bad and that’s why I am trying to keep it quiet and move on but it’s tough to do that here and there’s no hiding place out there.
“I really just played shit and I wish I could have played better as you wish you could just get it out of your mind rather than holding onto it.
“I had a great opportunity to finish top-11 for the first two rounds but clearly nothing happened but who knows as I still have good feeling to still have one or two more goes around here.
“I mean I could win a PGA tournament to get back but for 23-year I have played here and I want to look at that and say ‘that was special’.
Twice, in 2000 and also in 2004, Els was runner-up but he looks back to 13 years ago when he played in the second last group on the final day, partnering Korean K J Choi, and in the group ahead of the leading duo of American Chris Di Marco and eventual champion, Phil Mickelson.
Mickelson would birdie five of his closing seven holes, including holing a 15-footer at the last, to defeat Els by a shot.
“The last day in 2004 was ridiculous as I played with K J (Choi) and he holed out on 11 for eagle and I eagled eight and 13, and then he also eagled 13 but for Phil to finish the way he did … that really stung me and it still stings,” he said.
“When I look back now to have been on that kind of run that final day in ’04 and not to have won it was kind of a historic moment with Phil also winning his first.
“So, we’ve had good times but as I say the blend was just not quite there for me to finish first on this golf course (laughing).
“I look back again to that round and I had two putts on 17 and 18 and it’s amazing because I thought Phil would make a mistake on those two holes but that’s the thing that gets me as I just took the foot off the pedal a little bit on those last two holes.
“I just wasn’t aggressive enough that still hurts me to this day. There is always a game within a game.”
Els possesses many Masters mementoes in his trophy cabinet but one thing remains missing.
“We have a cupboard load of crystal ware like glasses, bowls and vases including one for a hole-in-one in the Par Three Contest but just not a green jacket,” he said smiling.
“It goes without saying I would swap all that stuff for a green jacket.”
