Ernie Els secured back-to-back Champions Tour wins with a playoff victory over home favourite and tournament host Steve Stricker at University Ridge, in Wisconsin.
‘The Big Easy’ now has five Champions Tour victories to his name, but contrary to his nickname, this was anything but easy.
Starting the day tied with the American former Ryder Cup captain, two bogeys with just the one birdie saw him slip three behind, much to the delight of the local crowds as Wisconsin native Stricker covered the same stretch in two-under.
Three became four when Stricker birdied the 11th and it looked as though the victory procession was virtually guaranteed. But in the space of three holes, Stricker’s four-shot lead completely disappeared as Els came off the ropes swinging and landed three successive birdies and the now punch-drunk Stricker made his first bogey of the day on the 14th.
From here to the end of regulation play the two matched each other blow for blow, and extra holes would be required to separate the two heavyweights. But it would only take one as Stricker, one of the best putters in the game, uncharacteristically missed a putt from near ‘gimme’ range and a par-four was enough for the big South African to seal the win and break the hearts of the majority of those in attendance.
“I feel obviously delighted, elated,” Els said in the post-tournament press conference. “It was a very tough day today, and on Friday our first round was very tough, some of the conditions. These greens are very quick, as I said, so it’s kind of uncomfortable on the greens when it’s that windy. Playing with Steve and Nicki on Friday and then again on Sunday, them being the hosts of the event, what a way to win the final event at University Ridge, you know? I really feel for Steve missing that short putt, but I’ve done that, a lot of people have done that. He had a great week, he’s a great guy and runs a great tournament.”
The respect between Els and Stricker was shown as the two shared an embrace in the aftermath of Stricker’s miss and Els consoled his opponent with words of appreciation and encouragement.
“I just said, you know, how much I appreciate him, he’s given so much to the game. I just gave him a hug really and I just said I’m sorry.
“But what I’m trying to say about him now, he does so much for us for the game on the Champions Tour. He’s done just about everything in this game. He’s one of your stand-up citizens here in Wisconsin and you should be very proud to have a man like Steve Stricker as your local man.
“As I said, I’ve known them for many, many years. We’re going to a different venue next year,
but hopefully we’ll have as much fun.”
Darren Clarke’s week came to an end with a disappointing one-over 73 that saw him slip to a tie for 38th at -1 overall.