Dubai: Ernie Els hailed a ‘turnaround’ in his short game after carding 67 to sit a stroke off the lead at nine under par in the second round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on Friday.
The 46-year-old is a record three-time champion of this event (1994, 2002, 2005) and holds the records for lowest round (61) and biggest winning margin (six shots) at the Majlis Course.
Despite that, the South African wasn’t a favourite heading into this weekend because he hasn’t won an event since 2013 and his best result in 2015 was a tied for 12th in 11 European Tour appearances.
The four-time Major winner had considered quitting golf last season after the belly putter was banned and he struggled to find an alternative grip to combat the yips - involuntary twitches that often plague older golfers while putting.
But he has since adopted a left-hand low cross-over method this season, and the results are already starting to show.
“It’s an exact turnaround from a couple of weeks ago where I was dreading to get on the greens,” said Els, who shot three birdies and an eagle on Friday to add to his first round of 68. “I’ve got a lot more confidence in the stroke and I’m starting to enjoy myself, which is an absolute turnaround. You’ve almost got a smile out of me right now.
“I feel like I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’m not dreading the greens like I have been for the last two or three years since I won the Open Championship [in 2012].
“The game puts you through some journeys and I’ve been through many of them. Since I left the anchoring method last year there’s been weeks where I can’t make it from five inches just because my right hand gets real lively.”
The ‘Big Easy’ added: “I said to my wife: ‘I just want to enjoy it again, I don’t care if I never win again, I have to enjoy it or I may as well do something else’.
“But the same people that have always been there when I was winning were there pulling me out of these circumstances, I’ve got a really great support group.
“Ask the poor guys that have been through the mill with me. To be where we are now is [remarkable]. I’ve been in some holes but this one was a really deep and dark one, and to get out of this is quite nice and I’m looking forward to seeing the smile on their faces.
“I was really nowhere but now I feel like I’ve got some game. It feels a lot better. I’m looking forward to the weekend. Whatever happens, happens, but I’m playing pretty good.”