Wentworth Club

Player Believes Els Still Has Major Potential

Gary Player has such an unshakeable belief in the talent of Ernie Els that he’s convinced Els’ Major-winning days are far from over.

“I’ve always felt that Ernie has unbelievable talent,” Player said at his Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links at Fancourt this weekend.

“People keep saying he hasn’t one a tournament in America for so long. How is that possible for a man with all of this talent to do that, and why has his game deteriorated? Well, nobody can answer that.

“But I have so much confidence in his ability – and he definitely has exceptional ability – that I expect him to come through and be the next South African to win a Major championship.

”I’ve always felt he was going to win the Masters and I’m surprised he hasn’t. Obviously, with his great length, that’s a great asset at the Masters. Yes, he’s not performing to the ability that he has, but I can’t help but feel that he will do it.”

And Player also echoed the feeling of many that Tiger Woods will have to modify his swing in order to ensure the world number one has a future in the game.

“If he doesn’t change his swing, he won’t last,” Player said. “Tiger’s a very smart man and I’m sure he will make those changes. But he’s doing something in his left leg that’s breaking his leg.

“This is the third time this has happened to his leg. The thing is, Tiger was winning tournaments with his C game. If he uses the correct leg action with his left knee – it snaps straight when he hits it instead of being slightly bent – and if he makes the right change, he’ll come back better than ever. If he doesn’t, he won’t last.”

Lali Stander
Media Manager
Gary Player Invitational
Tel: +27 82 990 7150
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