Ernie Els says weather will play a key role at Royal Troon
Last Updated: 11/07/16 6:45pm
Ernie Els accepts that Scotland's ever-changing coastal weather conditions will be a major factor at this week's 145th Open at Royal Troon.
The two-time winner of The Open has arrived at the Ayrshire course where, 12 years ago, he was beaten in a play-off by American outsider Todd Hamilton.
Els is competing in his 26th Open, so has plenty of experience of Scotland's weather.
"The weather could be big this week," he said. "We all know we are happy in Scotland and the weather changes a lot during the day.
"Who knows what the weather holds. I saw a lot of rain and a lot of cloud on my ipad. So I know there is going to be a lot of moisture."
In 2004, the 46-year-old had a 12-footer for the title on the final green before losing out by a solitary stroke in a four-hole play-off.
As for missing out at Troon, he added: "I had my chances there. I still remember the putt on 18 when I didn't hit it hard enough and it swung before the hole.
"I still think about that. To get into a play-off, standing here you will take that. I still have good memories from that week and a good championship."
I saw a lot of rain and a lot of cloud on my ipad. So I know there is going to be a lot of moisture.
Ernie Els
And Els says his form is starting to look up following a dreadful run of results. Two weeks ago in Maryland he finished fifth over the difficult Congressional course where he won the second of his two US Open titles in 1997.
June's result provided Els with his highest finish anywhere in the world for more than 20 months and the South African added: "I've had two weeks off. We were down in London with the family, playing a bit of social golf and chilling.
"Before that I had a pretty good week in DC, I finished fifth. I needed to get a bit of a finish because I've been working quite hard on my game.
"We got here yesterday. I was going to practice but the weather was awful. Coming onto the grounds this morning you get that buzz, you just want to get out there and feel the links land under your feet. Hit those shots and start getting ready for Thursday."
