Els feeling easy as he soothes aching back
South Africa's four-time major champion has a spring in his step after ironing out some tough knots as he starts his Macau Open campaign
The silky smooth drive from Ernie Els to inaugurate the 2014 Venetian Macau Open flew straight and hard, bringing a smile of relief to the face of the four-time major champion on Wednesday.
It signalled the South African is over a trapped nerve in his back and can live up to his nickname "the Big Easy" - his imposing stature coupled with a silky swing - which was hardly the case last Sunday when he struggled to a poor one-over 71 in the final round at the Hong Kong Open and finished in a tie for fifth.
"It feels good," said Els after the ceremony at the first tee at the Macau Golf and Country Club in Coloane. "I have not played since Sunday, only having treatment. But it [his back] feels softer and better."
I had a trapped nerve and I have had this lady with her knees and elbows on my back and I feel a lot of relief
A masseuse has been working overtime and given Els a new lease of life as he takes part in the second of four tournaments on his Asian swing, which culminates with the BMW Masters and the HSBC Champions, both in Shanghai.
"I had a trapped nerve and I have had this lady with her knees and elbows on my back and I feel a lot of relief," Els said. "It was bad last Sunday when it locked up, but I got it freed. I will play this week, but, obviously, I want to be a 100 per cent.
"I have also been doing a lot of gym work and with my trainer stretching me and doing some workouts, I feel good."
Els, who turned 45 last Friday, is contracted with the resort hotel in Macau for three years. Last year on his debut, he finished tied for third, behind champion Scott Hend, who has now become a familiar figure after winning the Hong Kong Open in a play-off on Sunday.