HOYLAKE, England - Ernie Els was grateful to stay one stroke behind leader Tiger Woods after the pair eked out one-under-par 71s in the British Open third round last night.
Off-key with his irons, South African Els collected four birdies and three bogeys to post a 54-hole total of 12-under 204.
"You're not always going to have your best stuff and you have to find a way of scoring and that's what I did today," the 2002 champion told reporters after ending the day tied for second place with Sergio Garcia and Chris DiMarco.
"I struggled with my iron play a little bit but my short game helped me today.
"We didn't play our best today and we let a couple of guys in but we're still in contention," Els added of his performance in the day's final pairing with Woods. It's a major championship and a lot can happen tomorrow."
Fully recovered from the knee injury that left him sidelined for four months at the end of last season, Els was happy with his position going into tonight's (NZ time) final round.
"Yeah, I have got to be," the three-times major winner said. "I could be out if it now.
"I could have easily shot a 76 or something like that today and I somehow find myself still one shot off the lead."
Els lifted the Claret Jig for the first time in a four-way playoff at Muirfield four years ago having won the US Open in 1994 and 1997.
- REUTERS
Golf: Struggling Els thankful to be still in touch
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