Golf · American Tour

Els delighted with Miami victory

The last time Ernie Els won at Doral in Miami he went on to win The Open four months later.

That was eight years ago. This time he hopes his wait for another major title is just three weeks away.

Els captured the WGC-CA Championship by four strokes from fellow South African Charl Schwartzel last night and since the best of the rest - Padraig Harrington, Martin Kaymer and Matt Kuchar - were seven back it was a victory that will have the 40-year-old's Masters odds tumbling down.

Els had not won a Tour event for two years, but his 63rd professional title takes him back into the world's top 10, a place where he has spent more weeks (759) than any other player since the rankings started in 1986.

'I've had a tough run and I really wanted to play well,' he said after a bogey-free 66 for 18 under par.

'I just wanted to prove it myself for once. I had to really trust the changes I've just made. The wind was blowing and you had to hit solid shots.

'Charl came at me all day and I have to take a lot of positives out of this.'

 
RTÉ.ie Sport: Ernie Els could be a decent bet for Masters glory in Augusta next month
Ernie Els could be a decent bet for Masters glory in Augusta next month
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