Els not in it for enjoyment

Ernie Els is one of the main contenders for the Open Championship at Carnoustie this week – but the ’Big Easy’ will not be enjoying it.

“Enjoyment in a major? You enjoy a major afterwards,” joked Els, who has enjoyed three such wins – the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and the 2002 Open at Muirfield.

“From Thursday to Sunday it’s hard work and it’s going to be the same here this week. It’s going to be very tough, very difficult. Whether you enjoy that or not depends on where you finish.”

Els has yet to win in 2007 but has eight top 10 finishes, the last of which came courtesy of a final-round 65 in the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond on Sunday.

The 37-year-old South African also has an excellent Open record, finishing third at Hoylake last year, second at St Andrews in 2000, third at Lytham in 2001 and lost a play-off against Todd Hamilton at Troon in 2004.

“I’ve had quite a few chances to win other ones, most recently the play-off,” Els admitted. “I felt I played really well that week and didn’t get the most out of it.

“That’s as close as you can come to winning the Open so that makes it even more disappointing. But I’ve always enjoyed the way you have to play these golf courses.

“I think it suits a strong hitter of the ball, especially when the wind starts blowing.”