Ernie Els’’s superb bunker shot at the 13th hole in the final round of the 131st Open Golf Championship at Muirfield has been judged as The European Tour Shot of the Year for 2002.
The 33 year old South African produced an exquisite stroke from one of Muirfield’’s cavernous bunkers to within inches of the hole for a par three – a shot which provided Els with the platform to go on and win his third Major Championship.
The European Tour Shot of the Year is featured in The 15th Edition of The European Tour Yearbook (RRP £25.00) which will be available in selected bookstores in December and can also be purchased through The European Tour’’s Official Website www.europeantour.com.
Els, within touching distance of fulfilling his lifetime’’s ambition, knew he faced a make or break moment at Muirfield and, with a deftness of touch belying his powerful frame, he proceeded to play a shot of great quality.
"I always felt it was my destiny to win the Open at least once in my career," recalled Els. "When I birdied the tenth and 12th that Sunday at Muirfield, I thought I was well on my way to doing just that. However I was caught between clubs and tugged my seven iron just a touch at the 13th. It was my own fault for putting the ball in the bunker.
"I guessed I would be facing a tough shot, but it was only when I got to the green and looked into the bunker that I realised just how tough. The ball was tight against the face of the bunker and just getting it out – never mind close – would have been a reasonable result.
"I pulled out my 59 degree sand wedge and at least I had a good stance. I said to my caddie, Ricci (Roberts): 'I’’m going to hit this as hard as I can’’. I was amazed I got it out and almost holed it. It was a really, really, good save and unquestionably helped me win the Open."
