Brushing up on your short game at the practice area is fine and good, but taking it with you to the golf course - when your score is really on the line - is another story. Ernie Els areabrushfine Change image and share on social
I've got my life. I'm very serious about my business. I've got my family. And I've got my game. Ernie Els businessfamilygame Change image and share on social
When you get to the tee on a really long par 5, I know what you're feeling. You want to let the shaft out on the driver and try to bomb it down there. I get the same feeling. But a big tee shot is not always the best strategy, especially on a long hole. Ernie Els bigbombdriver share on social
Because of the grass and open face, I take one more club for shots from the rough, unless the ball is sitting on top of dry grass. Then, I use more loft and swing softer, trying to hit it about 70 percent to avoid a flyer over the green. Ernie Els avoidballclub share on social
From a good lie in the middle of a fairway bunker, I'll make the same swing as I do from an average fairway lie. I'll dig my feet in slightly and keep my lower body stable so I won't slip, but I don't change my club selection or setup. It's only when the ball is sitting down in the sand that I'll make some modifications. Ernie Els averageballbody share on social
I prefer old-world wines like Lafite Rothschild and Margaux. Ernie Els lafitemargauxprefer Change image and share on social
Ball position is everything in iron play. If you aren't careful about it, you can create some major problems in your game just by getting an inch or two off. Ernie Els ballcarefulcreate Change image and share on social
Grip pressure - not mechanical flaws - is the biggest factor when you're nervous. You unconsciously grip it tighter, which keeps you from making a smooth swing with a natural release. Keep your grip pressure light, and you'll be surprised how much your mechanics stabilize. Ernie Els bigfactorflaw share on social
I plot the par 5s back from the green and make my plan. If I can reach the green in two shots, I'm going to be aggressive off the tee. But if 's a three-shot hole, the goal changes. You want to put yourself in position to hit your favorite shot to the green. Ernie Els aggressivebackfavorite share on social
For the most part, when you play a full shot from the primary rough at your course, you're gauging how close to a standard shot you can hit based on your lie in the grass. Ernie Els baseclosefull Change image and share on social