Els wins PGA Grand Slam of Golf

South Africa’s Ernie Els came from three behind with five holes to play to capture the 28th PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda.
 
The three time major winner, alternating for Masters champion Phil Mickelson, defied winds gusting to 35 mph to fire a second round 69 to win by a stroke on five under par from American David Toms who carded 71.

US Open champion Graeme McDowell closed with a 73 and US PGA winner Martin Kaymer a 71, to tie for third on three over par.

Toms chipped in twice – once for a birdie at 12 and then for a par at 14 – but Els refused to be distracted as he produced a stunning sequence of figures despite the buffeting winds.
 
“When David chipped in at 12 I thought OK, but when a guy does it twice in three holes then you think he’s destined to win,” Els said. “But I found something myself on that back nine. I’ve been trying to get more comfortable over my putts, and I found something in my putting stroke. The speed came back and I made some very good putts.
 
“This was a round I really had to work for. It was tough out there; very tough. The course was in great condition – the greens were terrific – but when the wind blows like it did today then it makes it a great challenge.”
 
Els had four birdies in six holes from the 11th – including three in succession from the 14th – on the way to belatedly celebrating his 41st birthday last Sunday by collecting the $600,000 first prize.
 
McDowell hit three birdies in his first five holes but took seven at the par-five seventh.

He said: “I was very happy with the way I played but two sevens – one yesterday and another today – certainly didn’t help.”
 
Kaymer finished well with two of his four birdies coming in the last four holes.

He said: “My goal in the end was to catch Graeme – and finish tied third. I felt very special to be part of this tournament; it made me very proud to be here.”