Advertisement

Ernie Els praised for incredible act of sportsmanship

Four-times major winner Ernie Els underlined why golf has a proud reputation for integrity and fair play by calling a two-shot penalty on himself at the BMW PGA Championship.

The veteran South African chipped in for an eagle three at the 12th after having replaced his ball when it became plugged in a green-side bunker.

Els, however, said he quickly felt uneasy about his new lie and eventually ended up signing for a par-five instead.

"My second shot ... I pulled a bit left and hit it into the bank of the bunker," the 47-year-old told reporters after completing a one-under-par 71 in the opening round of the European Tour's flagship event.

Els in action. Image: Getty
Els in action. Image: Getty

"I asked my guys (playing partners) if I could check it and they said 'yeah'. I put it back and hit my chip shot and just felt uncomfortable by the way the ball came out.

"The ball came out way too good so I felt I probably didn't quite put it exactly where I should have ... so we took a two-shot penalty," said Els. "I called it on myself.

"The game of golf, it is what it is. I know deep down the ball wasn't quite where it should be and, you know, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

Fans took to social media to commend Els on the brilliant display:

It's just the latest example of stunning sportsmanship we've seen in recent times: