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Els - Blow up Sawgrass 17

Big Easy takes six at 17 hard

Last updated: 9th May 2008

Els: level par 72

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Ernie Els took a treble bogey six at Sawgrass' famous 17th hole and the famously laid-back South African was left fuming.

Els was well in contention at two-under-par on the 17th tee, but after fatting a pitching wedge into the water and failing to get up and down from the fringe, he headed for 18 well down the field.

The island green hole is probably the most famous par three in golf but Els knows what he wants the PGA to do with it.

"I think they should blow it up. You can't have a major championship..." the South African said, tailing off in exasperation.

"Everything you've worked on for four-and-half-hours is gone in one hole. I was so angry. I felt if I got in the house at two-under, that would have been a great score."

Penalty

The three-time major champion did go on to make birdie at 18 but that seemed to be of no consolation to him.

"Normally, I've played 17 well in the past," he added. "I think I've only hit it in the water once before. Today I just made a mistake and paid the penalty.

"I probably should have hit a sand iron as hard as I could. I had my sand iron in my hand and then I changed and went back to the wedge and hit it too soft. I actually chunked it a little bit."