South Africa's Ernie Els strolled to victory in the Mercedes Championship in Hawaii, smashing the the PGA Tour scoring record and in the process.
Els finished with an amazing 31-under-par total of 261, eight shots clear of the chasing pack. Rocco Mediate and South Korean KJ Choi had to settle for second place on a day where all the attention was on Els.
Starting the day with a two shot lead over Choi, Els soon went about extending that advantage with birdies on the third and sixth holes. A bogey on the seventh may have given his rivals a glimmer of hope, but that soon faded as he five birdies on the back nine to ensure victory.
Els pocketed a cheque for $1million and was obviously delighted with his performance. "Well, obviously, it's an unbelievable week for me. You know, the weather stayed away again. I just played my game," he said.
"I felt in control of my golf swing, I was putting well. I've had some good weeks in my career. But obviously to shoot 31-under par, I obviously haven't done that - nobody's done it," he added.
Els also took time to congratulate fellow country man and friend Trevor Immelman, who won his first European Tour event at the South African Open. "I think it must be a hell of a thrill for him. I tried to call him, but his answering service was on. I am thrilled for his caddy too, Neil, who use to caddie for me," he said.
Filed by Rob Wright
