ERNIE ELS will be reunited with Adam Scott for the first time since their British Open tussle at this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, where the Australian will defend his title.
Els captured his fourth Major at the unfortunate Scott’s expense at Royal Lytham St Annes Golf Club a fortnight ago, but the 32-year-old from Adelaide will be hoping to gain a measure of revenge upon his return to Akron, having beaten a world-class field to seal his maiden World Golf Championship title there 12 months ago.
By his own exceptionally high standards, Els – twice a winner of the WGC-Cadillac Championship – boasts a relatively modest record at Firestone Country Club, with a fifth place finish on his debut in 1999 his best performance in 12 visits to Ohio.
But having lifted the Claret Jug for the second time, the 42-year-old from Johannesburg will be confident of adding a third WGC title to his bulging trophy cabinet – with victory almost certain to bring the added bonus of elevating Els to the top of The Race to Dubai.
World number one Luke Donald, who finished in a tie for fifth place behind Els at the British Open, will now be hoping to go one better in Akron this time, having finished joint runner-up alongside American Rickie Fowler last year.
It was Donald’s third top 10 finish in seven appearances at Firestone Country Club and, following the renaissance of Tiger Woods, the Englishman will need another strong showing in order to retain his status as the world’s highest-ranked golfer.
After winning three times on the USPGA Tour this season and finishing third at Royal Lytham St Annes, Woods is closing in on a return to the top of the world rankings, and a record eighth victory at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational victory could end Donald’s nine week reign as world number one – a position he has occupied for 54 weeks in total.
Provided Donald finishes outside the top 11, world number three Rory McIlroy could also seal a return to the top of the tree by claiming his debut WGC title.
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