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Some players like to change clubs around the green to hit high or low shots. I play all of my short-game shots with my 54-degree sand wedge and change my ball position to hit it higher or lower. I think it's easier to learn one club than four.
Ernie Els -
When I'm swinging the club at my best, it's because I'm not thinking about mechanics at all. I feel like my body is loose. My arms are soft in front of me when I'm setting up, and my chest and shoulders feel as if they can move and turn easily.
Ernie Els
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Spin is a tricky thing. When you're trying to avoid it - say, on a tee shot, where sidespin puts you in the trees - it's easy to make it happen.
Ernie Els -
Because of the grass and open face, I take one more club for shots from the rough, unless the ball is sitting on top of dry grass. Then, I use more loft and swing softer, trying to hit it about 70 percent to avoid a flyer over the green.
Ernie Els -
I've got my life. I'm very serious about my business. I've got my family. And I've got my game.
Ernie Els -
I've not given up hope the belly-putter will be banned. The R and A and the USGA are looking at it right now.
Ernie Els -
You don't have to be long off the tee, and we know the amazing effect an Open crowd can have if you're on your game and how they can lift you.
Ernie Els -
Excessive drinking is not good for my health, my family or my game. There has definitely been a change, and I feel better for it.
Ernie Els
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Brushing up on your short game at the practice area is fine and good, but taking it with you to the golf course - when your score is really on the line - is another story.
Ernie Els -
From the rough, I'd use a 6-iron, play the ball back an inch or two and swing down on a steeper angle to catch the ball first. It also helps to aim slightly left and open the clubface at address. You'll get more height on the shot, and the club will cut through the grass more easily.
Ernie Els -
I'd like to win the Masters and the PGA and complete the career Grand Slam.
Ernie Els -
When you get to the tee on a really long par 5, I know what you're feeling. You want to let the shaft out on the driver and try to bomb it down there. I get the same feeling. But a big tee shot is not always the best strategy, especially on a long hole.
Ernie Els -
I never thought I'd be comfortable living outside South Africa, but we love London. Our two kids were born here.
Ernie Els -
He's been a top player for the last 10 years, and we all work on our swings, we all change things. We keep working and then we're trying to get better, and sometimes you get worse trying to get better. You've just got to give it some time, be patient for it to turn around, and when it does turn around, you feel like you can start winning again.
Ernie Els
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Contours on the second half of a long putt have more impact on how the ball rolls because it's going slower. Adjust your speed if that last part is playing uphill or downhill. Don't get fooled by an early slope or break.
Ernie Els -
If you can hit your 3- and 5-woods with confidence from the fairway, par 5s become birdie opportunities, and 420-yard par 4s are a lot less scary.
Ernie Els -
You check into the hotel and see you're booked for seven nights. But you know you might be leaving in a day or two. It's exciting for the fans. But you're on edge. And you're on edge the whole round.
Ernie Els -
You should never get set over the ball and then aim your putter face. If you do it in that order, you can easily lose sight of your intended line. Instead, aim the face down your line first, then settle your body into position.
Ernie Els -
Right before I start the putter back, I think about making solid contact. This brings your attention to the back of the ball and helps keep your head still at impact, which is a must. Many amateurs take a peek down the line too soon, and that can cause all sorts of mis-hits.
Ernie Els -
I plot the par 5s back from the green and make my plan. If I can reach the green in two shots, I'm going to be aggressive off the tee. But if 's a three-shot hole, the goal changes. You want to put yourself in position to hit your favorite shot to the green.
Ernie Els
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Obviously my game wasn't too good at Augusta, I had a couple of technical faults, the posture wasn't too good. It's a bit unfortunate because I was playing a lot of good golf, but when I got sick flu before The Masters, that was bad timing and I wasn't quite myself.
Ernie Els -
You probably don't hit as many fairway-bunker shots as you do the greenside ones, and that unfamiliarity might make you a bit nervous.
Ernie Els -
With shorter clubs, your ball position should be just back of middle, to really promote hitting the ball first on a downward strike.
Ernie Els -
I have to believe that if I keep doing what I'm doing, the results will reflect that, and I'll give myself plenty more opportunities to win.
Ernie Els