Ernie Els proved age is just a number as the four-time Major winner forged his way into contention at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a second-round 65.
The South African turns 50 in October, but defied logic and expectations to sit one shot behind joint leaders world No 5 Bryson DeChambeau and Australian Lucas Herbert at the Emirates Golf Club.
Els followed up his opening-round 68 with a more impressive seven-under-par display which saw one eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to join Spaniard Alvaro Quiros at ten under par.
He has struggled to compete during recent years in Dubai, but his record cannot be dismissed after registering top-ten finishes in his first 11 appearances at the event – including three victories, three times as runners-up and three third places.
‘I like this place, as you know,’ Els said. ‘I’ve had some really great times here. I’m swinging well, my body feels well. I’m just happy with the first two days.
‘I see the scoring is really good. I see the scoring slowing down a little bit over the weekend in the afternoons.
‘The greens were getting a little firmer, faster, but if you get it in the fairway, give yourself second-shot opportunities, and the putter has been working, so it’s been fun.
‘It’s great coming back, especially later in your career now. I meet up with friends I’ve met from 25-26 years ago, and in certain ways things don’t change, but in many ways it does.
‘It’s just great to come back to Dubai and seeing the changes that have gone on here in the last quarter century. It’s been amazing. I’m running out of time, but enjoying it.’
Els is currently on 299 career top-ten finishes from nearly 800 starts as a professional and has won 28 times on the European Tour, but that has not stopped his appetite to taste further success.
‘We try and play the game to win tournaments and do as good as you can,’ he added. ‘I’ve had a good time. I’ve been a professional for a very long time, and I’ve got one more year before I’m 50. I’m only 50 in October, so I’ll try and have a good year this year and just try and enjoy it.
‘You’ve got to keep going. As I say, I think it might play a little tougher over the weekend and in the afternoons if the wind comes. But I think I’ll still just keep the foot on the pedal, try and make some birdies.
‘I think 20 under is probably where you need to be or maybe even more. There’s still a lot of work to be done.’
