Ernie Els Club Quotations

Because of the grass and open face, I take one more club for shots from the rough, unless the ball is sitting on top of dry grass. Then, I use more loft and swing softer, trying to hit it about 70 percent to avoid a flyer over the green.

When I'm swinging the club at my best, it's because I'm not thinking about mechanics at all. I feel like my body is loose. My arms are soft in front of me when I'm setting up, and my chest and shoulders feel as if they can move and turn easily.

Make a conscious effort to loosen your hands and let your arms feel soft when you're at address. Take the club back a bit shorter, and feel as if you're cracking a whip on the way down - not tensing up to smash something hard.

From a good lie in the middle of a fairway bunker, I'll make the same swing as I do from an average fairway lie. I'll dig my feet in slightly and keep my lower body stable so I won't slip, but I don't change my club selection or setup. It's only when the ball is sitting down in the sand that I'll make some modifications.

From the rough, I'd use a 6-iron, play the ball back an inch or two and swing down on a steeper angle to catch the ball first. It also helps to aim slightly left and open the clubface at address. You'll get more height on the shot, and the club will cut through the grass more easily.

I was thinking about that, trying to maybe work on a utility club the next couple of weeks to use it at Augusta.

When I stay athletic with good posture and get the club away in a good position, I get through it better.

It's a real confidence builder after such a long layoff. I was swinging the club well and hitting the ball great, and I was delighted to be back in contention.

Club selection was the most difficult part of the game today. It seems like it changes all the time. You've got to get your yardage and stick to a club that you're comfortable with and go with that. If you miss those greens on the flags on top, it's very difficult to get it up and down.