Els Has Displayed Shark-Like Qualities
CAN’T SEEM TO REEL IN WIN AT THE MASTERS

By: MICK ELLIOTT
Media General News Service

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Opportunities have come and they have gotten away, escaping in final-round disappointment and disbelief. A Masters championship, often predicted but never realized, continues to tease and torment one of the greatest golfers of his time.

At some point, the door that so often stood open will inevitably slam shut and never be unlocked again. The chances cease to come. The career résumé contains an empty page destined to remain that way.

And this is not about Greg Norman.

While no one may ever march the spectacular anguish of Norman’s Augusta crashes of the past, it is not difficult to see Ernie Els tracking an increasingly similar course as the Gutted Shark.

It’s not easy to be green.

Els has two U.S. Open titles and a British. He has 15 PGA Tour wins and another 43 international titles. He spent some brief quality time No. 1 in the world, fitting the description as a player most likely to throw a monkey wrench into Tiger Woods’ efforts to rule the world.

But, same as with Norman, the Masters green jacket that goes to golf’s best dressed never has been a fit.

This week’s appearance at Augusta National will be Els’ 14th. Only once has he failed to make the cut. Twice he has been runner-up. Three times he finished in the top five and six years in the top 10.

“I’ve had a fair share of chances and I haven’t quite done it,” he said. “I’ve just got to keep going.”

But is it full speed ahead or straight to the room with rubber walls?

Els, with an unflappable personality, high and towering tee shots, and mastery of Augusta’s greens — twice he has played 72 holes without a three putt — appears a perfect fit for the Masters.

Then again, so was Norman.

“Obviously I’ve seen what Greg did in his career,” Els said. “He was also probably built for the place but he never got it. You know, I’m getting on. I’m 37 years old now. You know, I’ve had one real close call with Phil. I’ve had some other really good finishes.”

Els’ closest call, the one that still hurts, was in 2004. Phil Mickelson edged him out with a birdie on the final hole, ending a dry spell of his own with his first major title.

Els shot a final-round 67 that day and anticipated, at worst, a playoff. Mickelson, however, birdied five of his last seven holes, including an 18-footer on the 72nd hole for a one-shot win.

It sent Els home muttering to himself.

“As I say, you’re not only playing the golf course, you’re playing the field,” he said. “At times I’ve played this golf course really well and at other times I’ve felt uncomfortable on it.

“Hopefully this week I’ll be comfortable on all aspects and it goes my way.”

Els does not say it but the implications are obvious. The clock is ticking and there is no turning it back.

Els has gone winless on the PGA Tour for almost two full seasons, failing to return to form following 2005 knee surgery that resulted from a tubing accident during a sailing vacation. The knee is once again strong. He reports no lingering affects or bad habits.

He says the knee is well and so is his game.

“I feel like I really played nicely this morning,” Els said after Tuesday’s practice round. “I feel kind of excited with my game in general.”

Only, unlike in past years when future opportunities seemed endless, the launch window has shrunk. No one doubts that Els still can win at Augusta, except he needs to do it soon or one day will come when there will never be another chance.

“I have not done it yet and I’d love to do it,” he said. “If I don’t do it, yeah, definitely it would be a bit of a downer.”

MICK ELLIOTT is a staff writer for The Tampa Tribune