As a four-time major winner, Ernie Els has made a career out of hitting clutch shots.
But there is one shot in the South African’s back catalogue that springs to mind quicker than any other, especially when it comes to his long association with The Open.
Els had already finished runner-up in his quest for the Claret Jug in 1996 and 2000 before heading into the final round at Muirfield with a two-shot advantage atop the leaderboard in 2002.
And while he eventually had to hold his nerve in a four-way play-off, it was his miraculous bunker shot on the 13th hole in regulation play that will always be remembered the fondest.
He went on to reclaim the Champion Golfer crown a decade later at Royal Lytham & St Annes, but his sand save remains the best shot he has ever hit at the most prestigious major.
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4 Comments
What is your first memory of Ernie Els at The Open?
A “left shot” coming out on a tee shot at Carnoustie, a young lad stood next to me shouting “good shot”… not knowing it was a bad one. Ernie turned round and told him to f**k off. So not a very nice impression I have of him.
Ernie made me some good money that week…. Had good money on him to win…. Bought my callaway x14 irons out of the winnings when they came out later that year 😁 cheers Ernie
I have a Baxter print of the 13th hole at Muirfield here in my study and have been lucky enough to play this hole a few times. That bunker shot was amazing , truly the shot of the championship.