Ernie: Euro PGA Tops TPC Because Of Me!

Tony Jimenez tells us about Ernie Els' pre-BMW Championship self-congratulatory back-patting over this year's redo of last year's redo at Wentworth.

I know, I know, you'd think he might be a bit more humble since he's a year removed from unraveling over having to fix a renovation which in places was so horrendous that no one could stand to play another tournament over it. Instead, he came out swinging!

“This (tournament) is definitely taking the place of the TPC,” Els told Reuters in an interview on the eve of the European Tour’s flagship event.

“At least at the 18th hole there is a bailout area now whereas at the (island green) 17th at Sawgrass there is no bailout and you can lose the tournament there.

Isn't your 18th the one with a bailout options are the hospitality tent and grandstand? He's right, you certainly do not have that option at TPC Sawgrass!

Tim Finchem and team will enjoy this next line.

“I also feel we’ve got a stronger field here and a classic golf course,” added Els referring to the fact that seven of the world’s top nine players will be in action when the PGA Championship starts on Thursday.

“I want to make this feel like the Augusta of the European Tour and we can do that. We’ve got the trees, a great layout and we just want to keep making it better and not go backwards.”

They have the trees! Now just kick all the women out of Wentworth and voila, it's the "Augusta of the European Tour."

But my favorite line deals with criticism and whether he'll listen this year after last year's moaning forced a redo of the changes.