Classy Els finds the game Easy at last
ALL THE signs point to the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic today ending in a victory for one of the game’s form horses, with American Bryson DeChambeau holding a narrow one-stroke lead in pursuit of his fifth victory worldwide in his last 15 starts.
Breathing down his neck is defending champion Haotong Li, who has a pedigree for winning such duels after beating Rory McIlroy down the home stretch last year. England’s Matt Wallace, who won three titles last year, is three behind in joint third place.
But forgive the heart for wondering whether this might turn into one of those special, romantic days when form flies out of the window and we get a winner who defies all explanation. Step forward Ernie Els. Yes, the same Big Easy who achieved the first of his 28 European Tour wins in this event a quarter of a century ago. The man who filled us all with wonder for so many years with his textbook swing but who suffered the ignominy of sixputting the first green at the 2016 Masters.
The South African has had the yips, he has suffered serious injury, he has wandered the world’s tours looking a lost soul at times but then the man is 50 in October, so it is hardly surprising.
But here he is, out in the penultimate group today on the same score as Wallace and clearly in with a chance of winning for the first time in six years if he can keep his mind intact. ‘I’ve been digging deep into the memory bank and so far, it’s working out,’ he said, with a huge grin.
Els began the week as part of a ‘legends’ three-ball alongside Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this iconic event. But, while the others missed the cut comfortably, Els moved into contention with a fabulous second-round 65.
Understandably, he thought his third-round 70 yesterday a grind by comparison, with just two birdies.
Crucially, though, he did not drop any shots and so a pleasing revival during which he has finished in the top 50 in each of his last five Tour events could reach a fairytale climax today. ‘I’m feeling healthy, which is a big help and it’s great playing here where I’ve enjoyed some wonderful moments,’ said Els, who won this title in 2002 and 2005.
As for the leader, DeChambeau, he confessed: ‘It would be beyond awesome to win but I hope I can play a bit better than I have over the first three days. I’ve over-achieved to be leading given my ball-striking. My short game has been incredible.’
Shane Lowry struggled for most of yesterday, before finishing birdie-eagle-birdie to end with a 71 and his nine-under-par total sees him seven shots behind the American leader.