For a 7-iron, you never want the ball to be closer to your left heel than just slightly ahead of the mid-point of your stance. That's especially true if you're a tall player, like me. Ernie Els aheadballclose Change image and share on social
With shorter clubs, your ball position should be just back of middle, to really promote hitting the ball first on a downward strike. Ernie Els backballclub Change image and share on social
The good kind of spin - backspin - comes from hitting the ball cleanly, then making a divot after impact. Ernie Els backspinballcleanly Change image and share on social
There's so much more to life than golf. Family is always first. Ernie Els familygolflife Change image and share on social
Some players like to change clubs around the green to hit high or low shots. I play all of my short-game shots with my 54-degree sand wedge and change my ball position to hit it higher or lower. I think it's easier to learn one club than four. Ernie Els ballchangeclub share on social
When I stay athletic with good posture and get the club away in a good position, I get through it better. Ernie Els athleticclubgood Change image and share on social
The biggest mistake is trying to pinch down on the ball and ripping out a big divot, often hitting the ground before the ball. You'll dig up some turf, but you won't create much backspin. Ernie Els backspinballbig Change image and share on social
I think most amateurs dread playing a 180-plus-yard par 3 even more than a hard par 4. Part of it is psychological: You think you should be getting a breather, distance-wise, and instead, you get hit with a long iron or hybrid shot over trouble. Ernie Els amateurbreatherdistance share on social
It is just a crazy life as a sportsman. My daughter, Sam, wants to go into tennis, and I tell her, 'No, you don't want to go into professional sport.' Ernie Els crazydaughterlife Change image and share on social
Right before I start the putter back, I think about making solid contact. This brings your attention to the back of the ball and helps keep your head still at impact, which is a must. Many amateurs take a peek down the line too soon, and that can cause all sorts of mis-hits. Ernie Els amateurattentionback share on social