Closing in on the Win: Ernie Els captures the Memorial by 2-strokes
By Giles Kennedy, Contributing Columnist

When visiting the grounds of Muirfield, fans and players alike know the Memorial is the best tournament of the PGA Tour. Ernie Els was one to impress and be impressed with winning the final round by only two strokes; scoring 66 with a final score of 18-under par, 270 to hold off Fred Couples and Tiger Woods for his first Memorial win in 11 tries.

Fred Couples, living legend; was on his heels two strokes shy. The PGA’s American Idol Tiger Woods was only behind one stroke from Couples. This was probably one of the tightest finishes ever.

“I knew Tiger was going to be there,” Els commented. “He loves this place, and he loves a challenge like that, being behind, so I knew he was going to be there. I needed to stay steady. I needed to not lose it myself.”

The pressure that the leader felt started early and was evident on hole #4.

“As I said to you, I was a bit tight to start, but I got it back, got my composure back, and I knew it was going to be tight all day,” Els remarked. “There was somebody that was going to come at me, and Tiger made the first move and then Freddie, and he just kept coming. I just tried to shake them off.”

Ernie Els showed why he is a seasoned veteran PGA pro. Perseverance and a cool head is a must on any course; especially Muirfield. Shook off he did, Els scored a birdie on the fifth and the seventh holes; retaining a close edge between Woods and Couples.

In hindsight, the competition was just one factor. Every player knows the Memorial strives to be “Best of the Best”. It is reflected in the heritage of the weekend and the upkeep of the grounds of Muirfield Village Golf Course. Ernie Els is well aware of the surroundings.

“Well, I think first of all, the whole elite of the Tour, they want to come here,” Els said firmly, “Everybody that's got some kind of a pedigree, they want to come and play it. It's got a lot to do with the golf course. It's such a wonderful place. It's in great shape every year, and Jack (Nicklaus) makes the best changes, deepened a lot of the bunkers this year. It just adds to the golf tournament each and every year. Not just putting length into the golf course but changing it, and you've got to change your strategy a little bit each and every year. I just think the quality players really want to come and play his golf tournament and that's why you get a quality field.”
 

As I spoke to fans on Wednesday, Els saw the evidence of hospitality from the Central Ohio throughout the rounds. He and other tour pros were signing autographs Wednesday with a sense for appreciation.

The fans were not quiet either. On the 13th fairway during the final round Sunday, the three leaders heard cheers and gasps. Els noticed the roars toward Fred Couples and Tiger Woods.

“You know, a roar like that, a guy has holed it out. There's no question about that. I definitely thought it was one of those Tiger holes,” Els commented with humbleness.  “I thought he made 2 there. I saw the scoreboard and I didn't see anything change. I didn't know what it was all about, to be honest. I'll tell you, Freddie got some big ones, especially today; they were right behind Freddie. They gave him some serious support out there. He's such an exciting player. I mean, look at him today. He holes shots, makes long putts. He's a solid player. The fans just love him. He's been on Tour for 25 years and they just love seeing him play well.”