Els wins a record sixth HSBC World Match Play

BY iseekgolf.com | European PGA Tour | 2004 HSBC World Match Play Championship | Wrap | 18 Oct 2004

Ernie Els won the 2004 HSBC World Match Play Championship after a 2 & 1 win over Lee Westwood on the West Course at Wentworth Club. The South African was presented with the biggest first prize in golf, a cheque for a cool £1 million and the Mark McCormack Trophy by Stephen Green, the Group Chief Executive Officer of HSBC. Westwood meanwhile won a cheque for £400,000.

It was Els’ sixth HSBC World Match Play win, eclipsing the record of 5 wins he shared with two legends of golf, Seve Ballesteros of Spain and Gary Player of South Africa.

Neither player was ever more than 2 holes ahead with the lead changing on a frequent basis. It was All Square after the morning round but Els soon surged ahead with a birdie and eagle at the 21st and 22nd holes. Westwood then pulled a hole back with a birdie 2 at the 23rd. Par 4’s were the order of the day for both players at the next 4 holes as Els reached the turn still 1 hole ahead.

The South African then went 2up at the 32nd before Westwood ensured a tense final 3 holes by winning the 33rd hole when his second shot landed within 2 feet to win the hole. Els was now 1 Up with 3 to play. A Westwood bogey 5 at the par 4 34th hole then left Els on the brink of victory at 2Up with 2 to play. Els finally won the title in great style on the 35th hole when he sunk a 15 foot putt for a half.

Source – HSBC