A smooth swinger who has had trouble with his putter throughout his career is in great position at the 2012 British Open. Actually, there are two of them: Ernie Els turned in a great final round capped by a beautiful birdie on his 18th hole, and has cut Adam Scott’s lead to one stroke.
VIDEO: Ernie Els Makes Birdie, Ties For Lead At 2012 British Open
Els found the green in regulation on No. 18 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, then buried a 15-foot birdie putt to finish a final round 68, the best round of the day by anyone who started remotely near Scott’s lead. Els now sits at 7-under for the Open Championship as the clubhouse leader — and will be in another British Open playoff if scores hold.
Scott bogeyed his 17th hole after a poor approach led to a two-putt, and enters the 72nd hole of his tournament at 7-under and tied with Els.
Els has already won and lost British Opens in playoffs: in 2002, he outlasted three other golfers on the first extra hole after the traditional four could not determine a winner and took his third major; in 2004, Todd Hamilton defeated him by a stroke over four holes.
For a complete live leaderboard, visit Golf.com.
For more on the tournament, stick with our 2012 British Open StoryStream. For more from around the world of golf, head over to SB Nation’s golf hub page.
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