Ernie Els predicts 'exciting' US Open

Ernie Els is predicting a host of low scores in this week's US Open at Merion Golf Club after a deluge of rain over the last few days

Ernie Els
Nick Bonfield
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Ernie Els is predicting a host of low scores in this week's US Open at Merion Golf Club after a deluge of rain over the last few days.

Speaking after Monday's US Open practice round, the Big Easy said he's expecting a barrage of birdies in the second major of the season.

"After the rain this morning, it's going to be very sloppy now. You aren't going to see a firm US Open this year," said Els.

"I don't care if they get helicopters flying over the fairways, it's not going to dry up. You're going to see a lot more birdies that ever at U.S. Open venues."

Despite the conditions, Els still maintains the course - which boasts penal rough, narrow fairways and severe green complexes - will still present a challenge.

The first 13 holes at Merion are full of birdie opportunities, but the closing stretch is regarded as one of the hardest finishes in golf.

And Els thinks the conditions and the course will facilitate one of the closest US Opens in recent history.

"I see a very close race with a lot of players in contention this year, unlike other U.S. Opens," he said.

"It's going to be bunched, it's going to be under par and you'll see quite a few numbers in the red. It's going to be an exciting US Open."

Nick Bonfield
Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

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