Ernie Els - PGA Championship

PGA Championship Ernie ElsErnie Els is one of the best known and most popular golfers playing today. He is currently ranked 3rd in the world and is a winner of three major Championships; the US Open twice in 1994 & 1997 and the British Open in 2002. He has also been runner-up in the US Masters on two occasions, runner-up in the British Open on three occasions and was runner up at the US Open in 2000. These statistics are included in his amazing 26 top ten finishes in Major Championships. He is yet to win the PGA, but managed third last year behind Tiger Woods, and has had three other top ten finishes in the event. He has an incredible 59 tournament wins, since turning professional in 1989 and the good news for golfing fans he is in resurgent form and his win in the Honda Classic, by one stroke from Luke Donald, earlier this year and his tied 14th finish in the US Open in June is testament to that. He had a very poor start in the British Open in July but fought back gamely to finish in a very creditable T7th position.

World Ranking

Ernie is currently ranked 5th in the world and has ranked in the top ten for 250 weeks between 1999 and 2008. His career high was 2nd in September 2006.

Playing Style

Ernie plays in a very languid style, if he was anymore laid back, he would fall asleep. It is why he is probably known in golfing circles as the ‘big easy’. He has a long powerful swing using a technique, best described as effortless. He has an excellent short game and on his day he plays bunkers better than any other player in the world. His putting, like most players, blows hot and cold, but if he is hot then he is dangerous.

2008 Results/Form

  • Dubai Desert Classic 3rd
  • EMAAR MGF Indian Masters T6th
  • Honda Classic 1st
  • Playera Championship 6th
  • US Masters Missed Cut
  • US Open T14th
  • Scottish Open T9th
  • British Open T7th

PGA Betting

Ernie is a 28/1 shot in the PGA Championship Betting to win his 1st PGA. Check out the PGA Championship Free Bets on offer this year

Personal

Ernie is 38 years old and turned professional in 1989.