Four-time Major winner Ernie Els had defended a decision not to compete in the first two European Tour events of 2014 declaring the move has paid immediate dividends in Qatar.
Els had been due to contest last fortnight’s Volvo Champions event in Durban and the past week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
He was a surprise late withdrawal from both events citing ‘family reasons’ ahead of commencing what is his 25th anniversary year as a professional in this week’s $US 2.5m Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Ernie Els shoots a 67 using TaylorMade driver in his very first main Tour event after signing deal with Adams Golf. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
However Els revealed he’s spent the past two weeks working-in new clubs after signing an undisclosed deal with US equipment manufacturer, Adams Golf.
The double US Open and British Open winner agreed to a 12-club, bag and cap deal with the exception of using a TaylorMade (One work and cap M) driver, a non-Adams putter and using a TaylorMade ball.
“I only signed the deal with Adams Golf earlier this month so I haven’t had much time to work with my new clubs,” he said after shooting a fiver under par 67 in Doha
“That’s why I didn’t play the past fortnight, so I was a little bit nervous today starting off with new clubs but I feel so comfortable.
“I haven’t been excited heading into a new season before, and using new clubs, for a long while so I am really looking forward to the season ahead.
“I’m just so excited it’s been like giving an old man new toys.”
Els capped his first full tournament round of the New Year holing a 35-yard bunker shot for eagle on the final hole to be trailing just three shots behind compatriot, George Coetzee who shot an eight under par 64 to lead by one.
And Els also disclosed he played a two round event on his first-ever signature design course in his homeland that included a new course record 61 at the Oubaai Golf Club near George on South Africa’s Western Cape.
“These new clubs are so good I shot a 61 and a 64 at Oubaai playing in a little golf event,” he said.
“The 61 is a new course record playing with the boys, and with a scorecard in my pocket, so that was great feedback straight away.
“So to come here and shoot a 65 in my first big event of the year is pretty pleasing.
“However the biggest fear anytime you change clubs is distance control and maybe seeing a shot that goes in a direction that you were not expecting.
“Seeing that type of shot can be a shock to the system but the guys at Adams Golf have worked hard with me getting the right shafts and weight.”
Els will also compete in next week’s 25th anniversary Dubai Desert Classic and as the only three-time former champion.
His indicated his first PGA Tour event of 2014 will be the February 13th starting Northern Trust Open in suburban L A.
