Chris Gregor

The smooth swinging Els stayed out of his own way on Sunday

As it turned out luck was on Els’ side come Sunday as the wind was stiff and combined with brutal pin placements, chances were no one was going to go way low.  Going out roughly an hour before the leaders, Els scraped it around to the tune of a three under 67. His round saw him avoid most of the trouble at PGA National, carding only one bogey to go with four birdies – all on the front nine – and tied the low score of the day.  Since none of the leaders could even break par, his score held up and one of the sweetest swingers in the game finally hoisted another trophy.  While Ernie was thrilled with the win – something about a monkey and his back come to mind – the field was lacking an all star cast.  And let’s face it; the scar tissue embedded on the Big Easys’ back side courtesy of Eldrick is thick indeed.  No one on earth has been spanked, kicked, slapped and beat on by Tiger any more than Els.  While this win was salve on an ever growing wound, true healing won’t be complete until he slays a field that includes his abuser.  Good luck Ernie.  I like your game and love your demeanor.  You seem like a genuinely nice guy.  Unfortunately it doesn’t appear a Tiger beating is in your – or anyone else’s immediate future.

Ahhh...The sweet taste of victory