The Big Easy is hoping ‘A big fall’ will not rule him out of this week’s $7m WGC – HSBC Champions event in China.

Els has his left ankle heavily strapped and is on medication after falling over while playing tennis with his daughter, Samantha.

Four time Major winner Ernie Els hoping to see his way through a left ankle injury he sustained when playing tennis with his daugther. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

It seems Els stumbled and fell heavily on balls left lying around that the double winning Open Champion says should really have been taken from the court while he was playing.

Fortunately, Els has expert Australian-born physio Vern McMullen working on his ankle.

I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s been two weeks since the big fall,” said Els.

“So it’s been quite a lot of work.  I’ve got Vern working on my ankle and he’s as good as they come.

“It swells up and it comes down a little bit.  It’s a little painful but I can hit it and I can walk, so Advil ‑‑ you can take Advil, right?  Advil and some Celebrex and I’ve got it strapped.

“But it happened when I went for a back hand shot but whenever there is loose tennis balls on a tennis court you should see that they are removed.

“I didn’t see these balls and did a Glen McGrath at Lords, basically (smiling broadly).

“Fortunately, it’s getting better but it was really sore two weeks ago but then I really wanted to be here as it’s a great event.”