ERIN, Wis. Its been 20 years since Ernie Els won his second of two U.S. Open titles. His father, Neels, reminded him of that Thursday morning, sending the Big Easy a photo of their family on the final green at Congressional.We both said that its crazy that 20 years has gone by so quickly, Els said. In many ways, it feels like yesterday. In other ways, it feels like a lifetime ago.Now 47, Els is playing what could be his final U.S. Open this week. Its the last year of the five-year exemption he received for winning the 2012 Open Championship. Two months after saying goodbye to the Masters after 23 tries, he is prepared for what might be another farewell tour at the Open.That part hasnt even really crossed his mind, and thats to be expected. It has been an awful season; in his past 17 starts, he has 11 missed cuts, one withdrawal and just one finish better than 35th. His age has also caught up with him, as he battled through lower back, hip, shoulder and knee injuries.You try to still play the schedule that Ive played for 20-something years, but it gets tough to go out there and play, he said. You cant quite do what you have done or are trying to do because of some kind of little niggle. It gets frustrating.Indeed, his year has been so rough that he wasnt even terribly disappointed by his bogey-bogey finish to his opening round Thursday at Erin Hills. When he signed his card for a 2-under 70, he was tied for 10th, five shots back of Rickie Fowler.
U.S. Open: Scores | Live blog: Day 1 | Full coverage
Erin Hills wouldnt seem to be an ideal venue for Els. At 7,845 yards, it is a massive ballpark, and the rolling hills and long walks from green to tee are physically taxing for even the fit youngsters hes competing against. In a practice round, Els marveled at the power displayed by amateur Cameron Champ, who blasted 340-yard drives on seemingly every hole. Els never possessed that much firepower during his Hall of Fame career, but he was always among the games biggest hitters. Now, he is struggling to keep up with the modern player and the modern courses that allow the bombers to freewheel it off the tee.These types of golf courses might be the future, he said.And that leaves Els in an awkward place, as he tries to remain competitive, to remain relevant, while also looking ahead to the next chapter of his life. In 2015, he received the Tours Payne Stewart Award, given to the Tour pro who best demonstrates sportsmanship and character. For his work with the Els for Autism Foundation, he was recently named as one of four finalists for the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award. Soon, that will be his primary focus.How much game does he have left? The answer could come this week. To make another Open appearance next year, Els must finish in the top 10, otherwise the two-time champion will need to go through sectional qualifying like the rest of the dreamers.Like I said at the Masters: 23 (appearances) there, 25 here, it would be nice to keep going, but if not, its also fine, he said. Ive had a good time.
Wrigley Field was built 100 years ago, and to celebrate the iconic stadium, here's a look at Luke Donald throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game in 2010.
Can I throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field without
The USGA announced Tuesday that Westchester Country Club in Rye, N.Y., has been selected to host the 2021 U.S. Women's Amateur. The tournament will be held Aug. 2-8, 2021.
Westchester selected to host 2021 U.S. Women's Am
No, it's not a misprint on the barrel: Benelli's latest extension of the ETHOS semiauto line is stamped "28 gauge 3-inch". Fiocchi will load the ammunition for it, in a line which includes
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I do like a soft feeling putter though. I would prob ho the fisher but I have a putter that I'm in love with. I think I'm going to marry my putter. She's been very good to me and she's gorgeous with delicate curves. I've been a ho long enough, I think it's time to settle down.
yes putters any good? | Forums | GolfMagic
At Pebble Beach, a course teeming with history for Mickelson, the 48-year-old, five-time major champion will come face to face with what might be his last, best chance to win the U.S. Open and
Fowler makes solid start to season at mayakoba REUTERS: Rickie Fowler made a solid start to his season by carding a bogey-free, six-under-par 65 on
Golf Channel - Walking into the 2018 season like a boss
Jul 17, 2018 · The 2016 Open champion is struggling for fitness at Carnoustie with an elbow injury hampering his preparation
Stenson confident elbow up to rigours of Ryder Cup
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Brandt Snedeker has withdrawn from the PGA Championship with a rib injury. This is the second straight major that Snedeker will miss with the injury. He was at Royal Birkdale
Snedeker withdraws from PGA Championship - USA TODAY
"I mean, I grew up watching that guy," Rahm said. "Last week I was making a video at the top of the East Lake clubhouse, just watching him win his 80 th event. The list goes on and on.
Emotional Rahm beats Woods: 'Grew up watching that guy
- Mickelson, commenting on a fan's sign that had Phil's face on the body of a cartoon bumblebee. Biggest storyline going into Sunday: Sharma is trying to win a WGC title in his first PGA Tour
Mickelson breaks through in WGC-Mexico win - PGA Tour
Podcast: Welcome our guest - Tiger Tracker Source: The Golf Channel GCTiger Tracker, aka… Uncategorized Podcast: Brandel compares Tiger and Hogan's comebacks
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OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. — Lexi Thompson talked publicly for the first time about her mother's battle with a cancer flare-up nearly a decade after Judy Thompson was first diagnosed with the disease.
Morgan Pressel Foundation
morganpresselfoundation.com
The Morgan Pressel Foundation was started in order to further the fight against cancer, particularly breast cancer. Morgan, a star player on the LPGA Tour, wanted to honor the memory of her mother, Kathryn Krickstein Pressel who passed away at an early age of breast cancer.
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Lexi Thompson made a dramatic entry into Wednesday's pro-am at the Kingsmill Championship, plunging from 10,000 feet in the air to the first tee. Lexi Thompson Skydives for Navy SEALs-Affiliated
Lexi Thompson Skydives To Promote New Charity Supporting
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