Ernie Els did it again! In a nail-biting finish at the American Family Insurance Championship, Els edged out tournament host Steve Stricker after Stricker missed a critical 2 1/2-foot putt on the first playoff hole.
Stricker, who won the event last year, was visibly disappointed. ‘He feels bad winning like that and I feel bad giving it to him like that,’ he remarked, conceding that Els played exceptionally well in challenging conditions.
The two golf giants shared the second-round lead and both shot 3-under 69, ending up at 12-under 204 at University Ridge. ‘You’ve got to just play proper golf and you’ve got to make some putts at the end of the day,’ noted Els, the 54-year-old Hall of Famer from South Africa. ‘I feel a lot better with my putting. Playing with Steve Stricker, you feel like you don’t putt very well.’
Els birdied the par-5 16th hole and parred the final two to clinch his victory. This win marked his second straight victory in the PGA Tour Champions, following his recent success at the Principal Charity Classic in Iowa. Els is the first player to win two consecutive events on the senior tour since Stricker achieved the feat last year. ‘I know I’m putting well, I’m striking it good,’ Els shared. ‘I’m just hanging in there and trying to get my chances where they come.’
Meanwhile, Stricker remains winless this year, going nine starts without a victory—the longest drought in his senior career. With 18 Champions victories under his belt, Stricker’s dry spell is a notable shift.
Among other notable performances, Cameron Percy of Australia finished third at 9-under after a round of 67. Doug Barron, Stephen Ames, and Thomas Bjorn were just behind at 8-under.
This thrilling conclusion to the tournament left spectators in awe of Els’ consistent performance and poised rivalry with Stricker. With his fifth win on the senior tour, Els continues to demonstrate why he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Ernie Els’ victory over Steve Stricker in Madison, Wisconsin adds another chapter to his illustrious career, while Stricker looks to regain his winning form. Golf fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on these two seasoned players in the coming tournaments.
Source: Nbcsports
