Ernie Els in Toronto: On new groove rules, his return to form
By Robert Thompson
Els at Magna: Even after his knee injury, his swing is fun to watch.
Ernie Els was once the best golfer in the world. I know — the television commentators at the Barclays on the weekend liked to remind us of the fact, and Rod Black, who was the MC at Els’ appearance at Magna GC in Aurora on Monday said it over and over again. Els was a great golfer — and remains a very good one, even after a 2005 boating accident nearly finished his career. Anyway, Els is an affable guy — a real talker on a variety of topics and spoke with the media after doing a clinic at a GolfTown charity event on Monday at Magna alongside JJ Henry. He was pretty frank — which made him interesting , and even in an exhibition, his long, languid swing is a sight to behold. Turns out Els has some strong opinions — some of which will make the basis for my Sympatico column this week.
On the new groove rule:
I can’t wait. I think it’ll bring color to the game, so to speak. You’ll see different shots that we haven’t seen since the late ‘80s. Ball strikers will come to the foreground and you’ll have to manage your game differently. You can’t jsut drive the ball all over the place and hit it out of the rough. Strategies will change and golf courses will show their teeth more. It’ll change the whole landscape.
On the Presidents Cup captains picks that will be announced next week:
I think on paper again, like every year, [the team] is pretty strong. We need to get together and play well as a team.I spoke to Greg [Norman] last week. He’s all fired up. We’ve spoken about things a little bit, but I don’t want to get into that too much. We have a very strong team, and whoever he picks will be good.
On making PGA Tour players tee it up more often:
A guy like Tiger – it is a totally different world that he lives in. Guys like myself, I play a worldwide schedule and have done so for my career. I’ll probably play two, maybe three events. The tour is what it is.
On the recovery from the accident in 2005:
My swing is a little different and my move through the ball is a little different. But I’m not in pain and you have to adapt. I think if you spoke to Tiger he’d say the same.
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