Ernie Els tied for fourth at Arnold Palmer Invitational, Masters at risk
Ernie Els lost a golden chance to qualify for the Masters' field by finishing fourth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and now the only hope left for the South African is the Shell Houston Open.
The 42-year-old professional golf player scored a 5-under 283 and tied with six other players, at the Floridian site of the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando.
He is not in the field of the first major of the current year. This PGA-staged tournament was a great chance for Els to make it to the Masters, but finishing fourth will not be helpful for him.
“Obviously, you go into a week . . . a fourth place . . . you’d probably take it. But it was a bit of bittersweet there again. I had a lot of chances today and kind of blew it a little bit,” Els said.
He scored a 71 in the first round on Thursday and then recorded a 70 in the second. Els' performance on Saturday was tremendous, as he was 67 at the end of the day.
He played well throughout the three rounds, but was unable to impress the spectators in the final fourth round of the tournament. He scored a 75 and lost all hopes of winning the title on Sunday.
The South African displayed a mediocre performance, as he made sloppy strokes and putts.
"I wasn't good on the greens and that's the disappointing thing," Els said. "I hit the ball well, probably could have still shot par or under-par if I putted anything like I did the first couple days".
Els will now play the Shell Houston Open, scheduled to be played from March 29 to April 1. This will be the last available opportunity for him to qualify for the Masters.
"I have to believe that if I keep doing what I'm doing, the results will reflect that and I'll give myself plenty more opportunities to win," Els added.
Els has not missed any Masters since 1994. In the current year, he is ranked at the 62nd position. Analysts have said that only a win can help him now.
The Shell Houston Open is the last chance left for him. If he wins, he will be moving to Augusta to play the first major of the year. If he loses, he has to wait till the next year.
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