London - Ernie Els feared his illustrious career was over when he started missing 12-inch putts at the South African Open last month, his right hand twitching madly with the yips.
‘I’ve been in some pretty dark holes with my putting over the years but that was the darkest,’ said the 42-year-old. ‘I said to my wife, if I can’t solve this it’s time for me to do something else.’
Last year he failed to register a single top-10 finish in 24 events on the European and PGA Tours, yet he is just one shot off the halfway lead here at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after rounds of 68 and 67.
‘I’ve changed my set-up and gone to a cross-handed putting method,’ said Els. ‘While it felt awkward at first, now I feel like a new man.’
Rafael Cabrera-Bello leads, with England’s Danny Willett joint-second with Els and Andy Sullivan and Chris Wood two shots back. Rory McIlroy’s 72 puts him six behind.
Daily Mail