ELS TAKES HONDA CLASSIC VICTORY

4 March 2008 – It has been a long time waiting, but Ernie Els has finally managed to take a victory in Florida on Sunday, taking the Honda Classic title from a 3-under-par 67 for a 6-under total of 274.

This is Els’ first victory in the US since as far back as 2004, when he won both the Memorial and the Sony Open.

"I really feel very grateful and happy. Obviously it's been quite a ride, you know, especially over here," Els said. "I've won tournaments around the world, scarce tournaments around the world here and there, but obviously to win over here, it's been really my goal. So, it's a great feeling."

Finishing in third position was Nathan Green from Australia, after 67 for 4-under 276.

Sharing fourth position were Luke Jones from England, Mark Calcavecchia from the US, and the Australian Robert Allenby, all on 277.

Els is greatly pleased with his game at this tournament, and said that the tough conditions actually assisted in boosting his confidence.

"This has been a really wonderful week, never shooting over par on a very, very difficult golf course. So I'm very pleased," he said.