Ernie Els to face Luke Donald in the first round of Match Play Championship
Ernie Els is in the field of the Match Play Championship and will be facing Luke Donald in the first round of the tournament, starting from February 22 to 26.
Els is a South African professional and an exciting game play is expected while he will be facing the current world No. 1. Both of them will be playing on the top seed of the tournament.
The World Golf Championship – Accenture Match Play Championship is one of the mega tournaments. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain Marana in Arizona, is the proud host of the event.
There are total five events staged by WGC and the upcoming tournament is famous for its hefty $8,500,000 purse. $1,400,000 is the winner share and 550 FedEx Cup points will also be given to the winner.
Els currently stands at the 68th position according to the OWGR. He is very happy to see top seed schedule in favour of him. However, competing against Donald is not that easy.
"I'm really fortunate to be here," Els said. "Being the last guy in, I've got to play the first seed, Luke Donald, and it's a tough match, like all matches here".
Since 1989, when he turned professional, he recorded remarkable wins at the PGA, European Tour and at Sunshine Tour.
He is renowned for winning PGA Tour titles 18 times, European Tour titles 26 times, Sunshine Tour 16 times and 14 other wins as well.
He also secured three major titles in the past. Despite having a remarkable career, he has failed to deliver his best at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain Marana.
He noted, "It's interesting that I find myself in this position. In the past, it hasn't been quite my favourite event and I've skipped it a couple of times".
He accepts that his past record of Arizona is not that appealing. He will be looking forward to delivering more impressive strokes, so that he can compete against Donald impressively.
"My record is not that great here (in this event) but I really enjoy the golf course we play now (at Dove Mountain)," said Els. "It's really well designed for match play. So I think I know what I need to do".
To defeat Donald in the first round of the tournament is an uphill task. He has to be more competent and remain under par.
On the other hand, Donald will also be delivering his best to defend his title.
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