Ernie Els explains course changes at Wentworth

This year's BMW Championship sees Golf Monthly providing a live blog service, and whilst at Wentworth we caught up with Ernie Els, who explained the complex task of tempering with a true Harry Colt beauty.

Els has been firmly under the spotlight this week as a strong field embarked on Wentworth.

The South African said: "I believe this is right up there - the bunkering, the size of the greens, the risk-reward, it's all very similar to a Major championship."

However, the main task Els has faced has been remaining true to the original Colt design.

He added: "It's very difficult because it is still a Harry Colt design, you want to keep his design philosophy in mind and you've got to keep the shot values that he had in mind.

"So it's terribly difficult and especially the Wentworth West Course, which has so much history, you just don't want to mess it up."

The world number seven explained the skills needed: "You've got to be a shot-maker, you've got to move the ball right-to-left, left-to-right, you've got to stay out of the bunkers."

Meanwhile Golf Monthly also caught up with former British tennis number one and now scratch golfer, Tim Henman as he competed in the Pro-Am.

"It was great to be out there on the West Course and see the changes that have been made."

The Sunningdale member reflected on the similarities between golf and tennis, but his most valuable strength is his increased practice time.

"I have a two-day week on Saturday and Sunday, and then a five-day weekend Monday to Friday, so it seems to work alright."

To listen to these, and many other interviews visit the Pro-Am blog or to view the live service, visit the GM homepage.

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