14 March 2005

Ernie Els has done it again. A superb closing round of seven-under par 65 - the lowest of the tournament - propelled him to victory in the Qatar Masters, his twentieth on the European PGA Tour, and back-to-back titles after his win in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Els claimed his third Dubai Desert Classic victory with an eagle on the last hole of the tournament; and he came up big when the chips were down once more to win the Qatar Masters.

Els' challenge had begun with a one-over par 73. In fact, the Big Easy's come-from-behind win was from the biggest so far this year on the European PGA Tour.

Heading into third round, Els said he wanted to be not more than five shots off the lead, and after a second successive round of 69 he got his wish.

Three birdies in succession
He didn't make the greatest start to his last round, however, posting a bogey on the third after firing in a birdie on the first. Then he got going, knocking down three birdies in succession from holes four through six. After the front nine he was three-under for the round on 33.

Four birdies on the inward nine - on 10, 12, 16, and 18 - pushed Els to the head of the pack as the field struggled with tough winds. It was an amazing turnaround from the eighty-first place he shared after his opening round.

"I wanted to give myself a lower score and as it turned out I shot low, which doesn't normally happen", Els said afterwards. "The three birdies on the bounce on the front nine were really big as the wind was beginning to blow at the time."

'I feel really good'
"I suppose I got lucky and got the win, but I feel really good", Els said. "I feel like my game is right there and I can't wait to get to America. The way things are going, I look forward to playing golf."

Next up for the South African superstar is the Bayhill Invitational on the US PGA Tour. Then it's a showdown with the world's best golfers at The Players Championships, recognised by many as the unofficial fifth major.

After a week off after that, it is time for the first major of the year, and one which Els has not yet won, the US Masters. He has said many times before that his primary focus is the majors; now he is in the kind of form that could lift him to his fourth major victory.

'My rhythm is really good'
Els is keen to take his hot form to the US, and his enthusiasm for his game was clear after his victory in Qatar: "I really feel good", he said. "My rhythm is really good at the moment, and I'm in a good position at the top of the backswing. When that happens, I can freewheel it and go for the ball."

The victory vaulted the world number three to the top of the European Order of Merit, with earnings of €555 286.23 (R4 375 241.11). Second place belongs to another South African superstar, Retief Goosen. Sunshine Tour Order of Merit winner Charl Schwartzel is in eleventh spot.

With continued success on golf courses all around the world, a strong case could be made that Ernie Els is the best golfer in the "world" game. No matter where he plays - and he truly is a global golfer - he is a threat to win; and win he does often.

Qatar Masters Leaderboard

290 - Martin Maritz (RSA) 75-70-74-71, Matthew Kent (RSA) 74-71-72-73

	Ernie Els campaigns around the world, winning consistently wherever he plays

	Ernie's Dubai Desert three-peat Goose named Golfer of the Year South African golf: a success story Dramatic Open win for Ernie Golf: Ernie Els Golf courses in South Africa