Big Easy Like Monday Morning

Not even a rainy Sunday and a Monday morning finish could detour Ernie Els from cashing in on his second win in a two week stretch at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the famous Bayhill Resort and Lodge in Orlando Florida. No doubt the hottest player on Tour Els has not only grabbed the early lead for comeback player of the year but now is the overall leader in Fedex Cup points.

After storms ravaged the Orlando area on Sunday afternoon dampering the tournaments usual finish, the finial few groups were left to wrap up their back nine. Although it was still anyone’s tournament and had only a one-stroke lead with one to play, Els never really seemed to let go of his stranglehold of the field. He continued his excellent ‘Southern Swing’ play by staying in cruise control on Monday to complete a final round 71 and two shot victory over talented youngsters American Kevin Na and Italian Edoardo Molinari.

But those two were not the only strong contenders this week at Arnie’s Place. Strong Tour vets like Davis Love III, Padraig Harrington, and even Phil Mickelson all were near contention for much of the tournament. Also in contention were unexpected players like Chris Couch and DJ Trahan. But inconsistent play coupled with overly consistent good play from Els really sunk these players from contenders to pretenders. Love III was wildly inconsistent with a variable cornucopia of birdies, bogies, and doubles. Mickelson started strong on Thursday and Friday, but could not get the driver or putter going on the weekend and rapidly dropped down the board. Various struggles could be said for Harrington, Trahan and Couch.

When it was all said and done Els had about as smooth of a week in Orlando as the mechanics of his swing. He once again has found himself poised to be in serious contention at Augusta for the first time since his runner up finish to Phil Mickelson on that magical Easter Sunday in 2004. And when I say serious contention I mean serious contention. He has had nightmares with his close calls at the Masters, and this could be one of his last real chances of rectifying his Green Jacket horrors. And if he plays like his week at Bayhill, his walk up #18 could be as easy as his Monday walk.