Ernie Els hopes the moaning about his Wentworth redesign is now a thing of the past.
South African hits back at course critics on eve of PGA event
Ernie Els hopes the moaning about his Wentworth redesign is now a thing of the past.
The course, criticised in the past by the likes of Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, hosts the BMW PGA Championship this week.
It was toughened up two years ago and further changes have been made since, among them the 12th hole reverting to a par five and the fringe rough around the final green making it less likely that balls will spin into the water - as happened to Westwood last year as he lost a play-off and the world number one spot to Luke Donald.
Speaking about the critics, Els said: "Criticism is always tough to take, but if it's granted in the right way I'm fine with it.
"The way it was put forward the first year was a little childish (he hated the fact it was played out in the media rather than in private), but hopefully we'll have more smiling faces from the players this year.
"You make changes on a great course like the West Course people are going to not like it.
Concern
"That's part of what we do as designers, but I think we've passed that bridge.
"It's history and we've patched things up with all the players. You're not going to please everybody, but I don't believe everybody should criticise just because there's changes."
Although it was bathed in sunshine on Tuesday, the condition of the course has been the main concern in recent weeks.
Head greenkeeper Chris Kennedy described it as "the most difficult build up I have ever known", adding: "March was the warmest and driest in 120 years and April was the wettest on record.
"Now May is shaping up to be the coldest in decades. We've had hail, white frosts and driving rain. It's been so hard getting quality grass to grow."
