Ernie Els accepts he has to play a larger on course role at this year’s Presidents Cup in helping the International Team with the biennial event for only a second occasion.
Els was a member of Peter Thomson’s 1998 International winning team that remains the only International team to have won in the eight event history of the tournament.
After Els and Vijay Singh lost their opening Foursomes match at Royal Melbourne, Els proceed to pick up 3 ½ points for the International’s in their eventual crushing nine point success.
Els had made his Presidents Cup debut in 1996 under Thomson’s leadership, and was also a member of Gary Player’s 2003 team that tied the encounter 17 points all at Fancourt in South Africa.
This year Els joins fellow U.S. Open winning compatriot, Retief Goosen as the only two South Africans in Greg Norman’s International Team.
Norman could have made that three Springbok players given Louis Oosthuizen was the next highest qualifier on the points table in 11th place.
However while disappointed for Oosthuizen, Els agrees Norman had to choose two ‘Royal Melbourne specialists’ in Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley.
“It was tough on Louis he wasn’t picked but especially for Royal Melbourne local knowledge plays such a big part, and while Louis will be disappointed, I agree that Greg (Norman) had to go with the likes of Robert (Allenby) and Aaron (Baddeley) who know the course so well,” said Els.
“Those two are what you would call specialists in Australian golf and especially Robert and Royal Melbourne.
“And now that Greg has chosen them as his picks we have a really great team.”
And given the Internationals have only tasted success on the one occasion, Els believes it’s important they succeed on this occasion.
“I was there in ’98 at Royal Melbourne when we won and it’s been a very long time since we won there,” said Els.
“So it’s important that we do win again because we just haven’t played well against the Americans but then returning to Royal Melbourne is going to be very special.
“I’ve played Royal Melbourne many times including shooting a composite course record 60 in winning the 2004 Heineken Classic.
“So I know my way the golf course very well.”
However while much will rest on Els’ shoulders, the 42-year old will again be expected to play a large on-course role in looking after the five rookies in the team.
“In the past I have taken on the elder statesman role, if you like, and that will be the same this year,” said Els.
“I took Adam Scott under my wing when we played in South Africa in 2003 and I’ve also taken Tim Clark under my wing a little bit in the past.
“Adam and I were undefeated back them playing the Foursome and then Tim and I were unbeaten in the Fourballs, so that was a big plus for the team.
“So, I’m happy to take on that role again but then looking at this year’s side, it is very experienced even though there is a few rookies in the team.
“And even though they are rookies they know what it is all about.
“And a lot of the Aussies in the side can help out a lot of the other team members given their knowledge of Royal Melbourne.
“Also it’s good to see that many of the guys are playing really well like Adam (Scott), Jason (Day) and Aaron (Baddeley).
“I also feel like I am beginning to play well again. “
And given the European Ryder Cup team has enjoyed enormous success every other year over the Americans, Els is hoping to unlock their secret to humbling the Star Spangled Americans.
“We must try and find out what it that secret the European Ryder Cup team have that gets them so many victories against the Americans,” he said.
“I know I would like to find out.
“Overall, I feel as though the International Team is a lot more experienced than the Americans so hopefully we can come out on top.”
