Green Posse » ernie els

US Open 2008 – Day One

Sandy Mitchell — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:45:34 +0000

Many eyes were on the interesting pairing of Woods, Mickelson, and Scott (Is Tiger Fit? Would Scott’s play rise to the level of his partners?), yesterday at Round One of the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines. However, it was two less-colorful, relatively-unknown veterans that topped the leader board at the end of the day.

Kevin Streelman, a six-year PGA tour player, has yet to win a PGA tournament, although he’s often in the hunt. Justin Hicks, who turned pro in 1997, also has yet to win a tournament, although he’s finished in the top five in several Nationwide Tour events. Both finished round one at -3.

Woods and company didn’t have a bad day. Mickelson finished at par; Tiger shot a +1; and Scott ended the day at +2.

South African, Ernie Els, whose play seems to vary from brilliant to sloppy, depending on the week, was “on” yesterday. He finished just behind the leaders, one of the five players tied for third place at -1.

Interesting stuff, but it’s still early in the week.

^{(photo © Newscom)}

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Scenes from the 2008 US Open

Sandy Mitchell — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:33:04 +0000

Yesterday was a practice day at the US Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Here’s a sampling of what was going on:

Ernie Els and Lee Westwood signed autographs on their way to the 18th green.

Phil Mickelson worked on his short game.

The Japanese contingent, Toru Taniguchi, Ryuji Imada, and Shingo Katayama, practiced together

Tiger returned.

^{(all photos © Newscom)}

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Golf Dads

Sandy Mitchell — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:00:15 +0000

This Sunday, June 15, is Father’s Day in the United States. It’s a good chance to look at some of professional golf’s dads and sons:

Michelle Wie with her dad and caddy, B. J. Wie

Colin Montgomerie with his dad, James

Ernie Els with his dad, Neels.

Of course, many pro golfers are dads, too. Here are a couple of father/son photos:

Vijay Singh with his son, Qass

Greg Norman with his son, Gregory

Jack Nicklaus with his son and caddy, Steve

^{(all images © Newscom)}

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Round 2 at the Masters: Tiger Falters, Immelman Leads

Sandy Mitchell — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:37:19 +0000

Round Two at the Master’s Friday in Augusta held a few surprises. Among them:

* South African, Trevor Immelman leads the tournament at -8. He overcame surgery for a benign stomach tumor, a parasite, and a 20-pound weight loss to get in shape for the Masters.

* The #2 player in golf (and two-time Masters winner), Phil Mickelson is poised for a run at winning the tournament. He’s 3 strokes behind Immelman at -5.

* Tiger Woods is -1 after 36 holes, 7 strokes behind Immelman.

* Among those failing to make the cut are Ernie Els and veteran Fred Couples.

Here are a few highlights of Tiger during Friday’s round:

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Ernie Els Talks about Autistic Son

Sandy Mitchell — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:11:00 +0000

Golfer Ernie Els sported an “Autism Speaks” logo this past weekend on his golf bag and discussed with the media his five-year-old son’s diagnosis of autism, a situation his and his wife have dealt with privately up to this point. Said Els to the Associated Press:

“I feel comfortable talking about it now. I’ve got a bit of a profile where it will grab attention. That’s what this problem needs. And with that, hopefully, more people will get involved and we can start getting to what causes it and what can be done to help it.”

Els contacted Autism Speaks, whose co-founder, Bob Wright said he was thrilled to have the 38-year-old, South African golfer speak out.

According to Autism Speaks, 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism and the rate is even higher for boys.

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Woods Wins Dubai Desert Classic

Sandy Mitchell — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 14:10:44 +0000

We needn’t have worried. Sure, Tiger had an off day on Saturday (don’t we all ever once in a while?). Yes, Ernie Els was leading Woods by four strokes going into Sunday’s final round. But, let’s not forget that it takes 72 holes to finish the tournament and that Tiger is the best player in the world (whatever Mr. Els’ press agent may assert).

Woods arrived ready to play this morning in Dubai and shot a seven-under 65 for the round, with birdies on the last two holes. Els, on the other hand, struggled, finishing the day with a 71. Tiger’s 65 was good enough to put him one shot ahead of German, Martin Kaymer to win the tournament.

Tiger Woods has won his last four tournaments, going back to the 2007 season. He has also won six of his last seven.

Exciting stuff. The final round is being broadcast tonight (Sunday) on the Golf Channel. Yes, I know there’s another sporting event tonight, but try to watch at least a few holes of Tiger’s spectacular round.

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Tiger Falters, Els Takes Advantage in Dubai

Sandy Mitchell — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:59:34 +0000

After a disastrous one-over-par, third round on Saturday, Tiger Woods is tied for 5th place in the Dubai Desert Classic, behind South Africa’s Ernie Els and defending champion, Henrik Stenson of Sweden.

Els shot a -7 on Saturday with five birdies and an eagle to gain the lead. Tiger, who had a one-shot lead going into Saturday’s round, had two birdies and three bogies. He also quarreled with a professional photographer on the eighth tee and officials ejected other fans for inappropriate camera use.

Els has won the Dubai Desert Classic three times–in 1994, 2002, and 2005–and finished in second place in 2006 and 2007. The final round of the Dubai Desert Classic is tomorrow.

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