‘Big Easy’ excited for Whistling Straits

Ernie Els is looking forward to returning to Whistling Straits for the US PGA Championship at a course he says is “special”.

The fourth and final major of the season gets underway on Thursday in Wisconsin and ‘The Big Easy’ will be hoping to replicate his 2004 performance that helped him to a tie for fourth.

The 45-year-old finished just one shot off the lead on the same course, narrowly missing out on joining the three-way play-off that was eventually won by Fijian Vijay Singh.

The return to Whistling Straits in 2010 was not as profitable for the four-time major winner, who could only manage a joint-18th finish, but Els is looking forward to having another crack at the title.

“It feels good to return to Whistling Straits for our third PGA Championship in a 12-year span,” he said. “They’re bringing the Ryder Cup here in 2020 as well, which further hints at the high regard people have for this golf course.

“We arrived on Sunday and it’s been fun getting out on the golf course again and seeing what’s in store for us this week; trust me, this place is a little bit special.”

Els has narrowly missed out on the PGA title on numerous occasions, finishing third back in 1995 and then ending up tied for the same place in the 2007 event.

The South African has not been in the greatest of form this season, missing the cut eight times on the PGA Tour. but the experience and knowledge of Whistling Straits could be invaluable by the end of play on Sunday.

Tagged Ernie Els, PGA Championship, US PGA Championship, Whistling Straits