It wasn't looking good for Ernie Els lately, as the legend had been stuck in a rut without a win on the year. But all that changed at the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines this past weekend.
Playing some of his best golf in ages, Els dueled with defending champ Stephen Ames all four days at Wakonda Golf Club. He was locked in a tight battle Sunday, but managed to pull ahead with back-to-back birdies on 11 and 12. Then Ernie really took control - he stepped up and drained an eagle bomb on the par-5 13th to jump out to a three shot lead.
“I was lucky enough to make birdie on 11,” Els said. “I didn’t need a very good approach, made a good putt. And then 12, but 13 was big to make eagle late on the back nine, that was key. Got me into a three-shot lead, and I kept with it.”
That cushion was just enough, as Els hung on despite tapping in a few pars down the stretch. When the dust settled, the 54-year-old stood atop the leaderboard at 21 under, collecting his first W of 2022.
“I had a good game plan,” Els said. “I stuck with it all three days. I’ve put the work in and you feel a bit more confident that every aspect of the game is there.
“Then you can just go out there and compete. It was a hell of a week. Everybody played well and just that one hole maybe got it for me. Number 13.”
The $300 grand check, along with the rest of his senior tour earnings, helped Ernie boost his season payout to $785,017. Not bad for a guy who's won just about everything else. By the sounds of it, this won't be Els' last trip to Des Moines either - he loves the course and still feels competitive, so you can bet he'll be back.
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How did Ernie Els' performance compare to his previous wins?
This win was definitely special for Ernie. We're talking about a guy who was once the #1 player in the world and has won everything there is to win in golf.
But it's been a minute since he last took home a trophy. He said things have been tough lately, with chances slipping through his fingers. So you know this one meant a lot.
What I loved most was just how consistent Ernie was all week long. He was near the top of the leaderboard from Thursday right through Sunday. Not everything always goes your way out there, but he kept his game rock solid.
Then to shoot 21 under for the tournament? That's just ridiculous scoring no matter who you are. Really showed he can still bring it when it counts.
But the moment that stood out the most was that eagle on 13. Textbook Ernie to pull off a clutch shot just when he needed it. Reminded me of all those pressure puts he made back in his prime.
All in all, it was great to see the big guy back celebrating in the winner's circle. After the career he's had, he proved in Des Moines that he's still got the game to get it done against the best seniors out there. Vintage stuff from Ernie!
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