Q. Just how much are you looking forward to this week?
ERNIE ELS: Well, I've been looking forward to this all year. When I saw it on the schedule, you know, even last year, I was like, man, that's the one we want to be at. You know, feels like home, being at home. Been here for 28 years. Played the golf course so many times, so many friends here. So really pleased to be here.
Q. Certainly playing well last season and this season, as well, a couple of victories, does that give you a competitive advantage on a week where you know the course so well?
ERNIE ELS: Thank you, yeah, I've been playing decent the last couple of seasons. I've been a little bit quiet the last month or so. So I'd like to get some form back. This will be a great week to try and do that, being so familiar with the surroundings and friends.
So yeah, this is the last major of the year, so you might as well give it your best effort.
Q. The golf course, you've seen it this week already. How does it compare to how you've seen it in previous years?
ERNIE ELS: You know, I played it last Friday. You know, it was still in the heat wave. It was very firm and bouncy and over the weekend there's been quite a bit of rain, so conditions have changed.
The golf course is in absolute pure condition. The fairways are perfect. The whole thing is just perfect. The greens are running as good as I've ever seen. I think if you have good weather, we'll get some good scoring. Guys have been looking forward to playing Sunningdale.
Q. And what's the secret to playing well here?
ERNIE ELS: Ball-striking. Your ball-striking has got to be pure around Sunningdale. If you go offline, there's a lot of trouble. You have the heathland, bunkers, trees. There's a lot.
If you can keep it in the fairway, get your golf ball on green, you give yourself a lot of chances; the greens are quite tricky. But Local John with me this week, a local caddie, John, and he's going to read the greens for me. So the greens can be tricky, I've learnt. But it's in great shape.
Q. What is it like staying in your own bed during a major championship week?
ERNIE ELS: You can't tell how great it is. I mean, how many times do you have the opportunity? I used to love playing Wentworth, the Match Play, the PGA and so forth, staying at home. And now I can do it here at Sunningdale. It's incredibly comfortable.
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