Ernie Els: Reflecting on Career Achievements and the Changing Landscape of Golf

TLDRErnie Els discusses his career highlights and the evolving game of golf, including the increasing swing speeds of younger players. He also advocates for removing the long putter from the game.

Key insights

🏌️‍♂️The swing speeds of younger players, like a 15-year-old with a ball speed over 180 mph, are incredibly fast and a significant change in the game.

💥Ernie Els highlights the importance of the mental game, as Tiger Woods often made incredible shots and putts under pressure.

🏆Reflecting on his career, Ernie Els mentions some tournaments that got away from him, including the PGA Championship and the Masters.

🔄Ernie Els believes that the long putter should be removed from the game, as it goes against the spirit of golf and unfair to other players.

Ernie Els discusses the need to take care of one's body for long-term success in golf, especially as swing speeds continue to increase.

Q&A

What stands out as a memorable moment in Ernie Els' career?

Ernie Els highlights his 1994 US Open victory and his success at the Open Championship and Masters as memorable moments in his career.

What does Ernie Els think about the increasing swing speeds of younger players?

Ernie Els believes the increasing swing speeds of younger players, like a 15-year-old with a ball speed over 180 mph, are a significant change in the game.

Is Ernie Els concerned about the sustainability of high swing speeds for players as they age?

Ernie Els acknowledges the need to take care of one's body, especially the lower body, to maintain high swing speeds and continue playing into their 40s and 50s.

What rule change does Ernie Els suggest for the game of golf?

Ernie Els believes that the long putter should be removed from the game, as using it goes against the spirit of golf and gives an unfair advantage to some players.

What similarity does Ernie Els see between Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus?

Ernie Els believes that Tiger Woods, like Jack Nicklaus, had the ability to make incredible shots and putts under pressure, which contributed to their success.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Ernie Els reflects on his career milestones and the changing landscape of golf.

03:00Ernie Els mentions tournaments that he feels got away from him, including the PGA Championship and the Masters.

05:15Ernie Els discusses the increasing swing speeds of younger players and the need to take care of one's body for long-term success.

07:30Ernie Els believes that the long putter should be removed from the game, as it goes against the spirit of golf and gives an unfair advantage.

09:10Ernie Els highlights the importance of the mental game, citing Tiger Woods' ability to make incredible shots under pressure.