Ernie's a winner despite loss
Brad Morgan
19 July 2004
Ernie Els came up just short in a major again, having to settle for second behind American Todd Hamilton after a four-hole playoff in the 133rd Open Championship at Royal Troon. Despite another near miss, Els was hugely impressive in defeat.
After a bad double-bogey on the 10th-hole of the final round, Els picked up birdies when he needed them most, going three-under par over the closing six holes, which included draining a monster putt for birdie on the 17th.
When Hamilton hit into the rough on the right off the 18th tee, and then found the rough on the opposite side of the fairway, which forced him to drop, the way was opened for the South African star to capture his second Open title in three years. However, his putt for the title lacked authority and missed by some way, meaning he and Hamilton would have to endure a four-hole playoff from the 15th.
At the very first extra hole Els had a good opportunity to put the pressure squarely on
Hamilton's shoulders, but his birdie putt was just wide.
Hurt on 17
The 17th, which he double-bogeyed in the first round, once again hurt Els in the playoff. A wayward tee shot saw him find the rough off to the left of the green, and when he couldn't get up and down for par Hamilton was suddenly in the driver's seat.
At 18 the American laid up short as Els struck a magnificent second to a similar position from which he had missed a putt for victory on the 72nd hole.
Hamilton elected to putt from way off the green and, when his ball stopped close to the hole, Els, as he walked past, told him: "Great shot".
"Thanks", responded Hamilton.
Wonderful interchange
It was a wonderful interchange at a time when everything was on the line. That is what so impressed me, and there was more to come later.
Els continued on with his birdie attempt. A wickedly curling putt from right to left, it
narrowly shaded the hole. It left the world number two with a tap-in for par.
Hamilton responded by nailing his par putt to win the title.
He was about to pick his ball up out of the cup when it dawned on him that he had landed the oldest major championship of them all. Suddenly Hamilton let out a whoop and embraced his caddie. Els came over and offered his warm congratulations, giving the new title holder a handshake and a pat on the back.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's mother, who had been watching the playoff on a television, was hurrying to the 18th green to congratulate her son. Despite the massive disappointment of another near miss, Els sought her out and again offered his congratulations. It was a truly magnanimous gesture and a wonderful example of sportsmanship.
Ashen-faced and tired
A minute later, standing alone with his wife Liezel, it seemed that the pressure of the up-and-down final day got to Els. All the energy seemed to
leave his body, and when he appeared at the prizegiving he was ashen-faced and looked very tired.
In his victory speech Hamilton, to his credit, immediately thanked Els for the excellent spirit in which he had played the final 18 holes. He seemed truly touched by the wonderful approach of the South African giant.
Later, Els was asked about finishing runner-up in a major tournament yet again. "That's seven or eight times now", he responded, "but Jack Nicklaus [winner of 18 majors] finished second I don't know how many times [it was 19 times], so I must be doing something right."
It was said in a positive fashion, matter-of-factly, as is Els' way, and it reinforced the fantastic attitude of the man.
Doing it right
I couldn't agree more with Els that he must be doing something right. And it's not just about the score on Ernie Els' scorecard.
Week in and week out, South Africa's golfers give me reason to feel really proud, and
this time around he did the trick again, maybe more so in defeat than he would have done in victory.
World number one Tiger Woods again finished behind the Big Easy. It was enough to keep him at the top of the world rankings, but finally people are talking about who the real number one is now. Popular opinion has Els at the top, with Phil Mickelson in hot pursuit.
Recognition for Retief
There was another interesting occurrence at the Open too: US Open champion Retief Goosen was at last accorded the respect he deserves as one of the top players in the game of golf. Suddenly, various writers and commentators were lauding him as a great player.
Maybe the opinion I enjoyed reading most about Goosen was that he hadn't been given his due in the past because his quiet nature had prevented the media getting fawning over him, as has been the case with a player like Tiger Woods.
Ultimately, Goosen finished six shots back of Els and
Hamilton, after sliding to a two-over-par 73 in the final round. It was a solid effort nonetheless.
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