Ernie Els is rested and ready for another crack at the Ballantine's Championship, but the gentle giant will not be fist-pumping and high-fiving if he wins on Sunday. It's not just his style.

Els' languid style and natural charm have made the three-time Major winner a hero of galleries all over the world. The Big Easy has always made club hackers everywhere green with envy at the bold and breezy way he tackles even the toughest of courses.

Should the wind blow, Pinx Golf Club will certainly be a test for the elite field gathered in Jeju this week.

But however stormy the conditions, Els knows the most important virtue is to keep calm inside.

"Golf is very much a mental game," said Els after his first practice round at Pinx GC. "You have to prepare yourself. I think the wonderful thing about golf is you have different personalities that play the game. Nobody is the same. So some people react differently to good stuff and bad stuff. Some people like to really get it out of their system when they make a bad shot, and either throw a club or swear or just get it out. And you know, when they make birdies or eagles, they have the same reactions.

"They like to play passionate, emotional golf. And then some other guys are probably better off just trying to keep a very even keel whether you play good or bad, and just try and keep your calm, because those kind of personalities, if they have to overreact, you know, their heart rate will rise and they will go out of their comfort zone.

"Just whatever makes you feel comfortable, that's the way you have to play the game."

Els is certainly feeling comfortable here in Korea, particularly after taking a well-deserved break following his stunning early-season successes in the US.

Els won back-to-back titles at Doral and at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and followed up those victories with a top 20 finish at The Masters.

"The win in Miami was big for me," he said. "Got a lot of confidence back. And then obviously Bay Hill was a run from that."

Els admitted he was "jaded" at Augusta, following such an intense month in March. But he is now excited about competing in the Ballantine's Championship after a relaxing week with his family.

"I went home Sunday night after the Masters and I was home all week. The weather was great. I was in the pool with the kids, school run in the morning and afternoon. I didn't touch a club until I came here on Monday.

"It's good to be back - I had a good tournament last year. So many people could win it last year, and my putt on 18 just missed and I missed one on 17, as well. But I had a very nice week last year, and I'm feeling good about my game ahead of this week so I'm looking forward to playing well."

Go Back