MCI HERITAGE

April 18, 2003

Ernie Els

Q. 5-under, in the hunt. I know you've got to be happy with that here?

ERNIE ELS: Yeah, I am. You know, I shot a 5-under par today and kind of got me back in there. The guys played really well this morning. I a lot of things can happen over the weekend, and obviously I just want to try and have a chance by Sunday afternoon.

Q. You played well here in the past. I know you you've come so close to winning and I know this is you probably really want.

ERNIE ELS: Whenever you play, you really want to try and play where you can compete. I've done well here in the past, but one year I was leading during the final round and I kind of blew it with a 74. You know, I've had my up-and-downs on the golf course and it's a great place, like I said yesterday. Just like to have a chance on Sunday afternoon.

Q. After the first round, do you feel this is the best you've played here in a while?

ERNIE ELS: You know, I've shot better scores, but it's nice to hit the ball where you're actually looking and to make a couple of putts. You know, I shot 2-under yesterday and that was not a bad start, but to get back into it, you know, I had to make something happen.

Q. Outside a major, why do players love coming here so much?

ERNIE ELS: Well, first of all, I think the golf course is really unique. It's very narrow and really makes you work on your game when you play this golf course. I think a lot of the players want to play it because it really fits your ability. Obviously, the history they have got is pretty strong.

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