Story highlights
Ernie Els criticizes officials over state of greens at Wentworth
Els masterminded re-design of West Course where PGA Championship held
Defending champion Luke Donald leads after third round of 69 for 11-under 205
Donald set to return to World No.1 in place of Rory McIlroy
A furious Ernie Els blasted Wentworth officials over the condition of the course he redesigned after completing his third round at the PGA Championship Saturday.
The popular South African moved into a tie for fourth behind leader Luke Donald after a solid two-under 70 in blustery conditions on the West Course.
But rather than talk about his admittedly slim chances of victory, Els only wanted to bemoan the state of most of the greens, which he described as “virtually unplayable,” due to a lack of watering.
He told the official European Tour website: “It’s such a pity as so much work and effort has been put in.
“I wish the Tour and the green staff would put more moisture in, I have asked them, begged them to do it but obviously they see it differently.
“It’s a never-ending story around here,” he complained.
Els, who owns a property near the course, was commissioned by Wentworth owner Richard Caring to make radical changes back in 2010 and not all have been greeted with acclaim by leading players, particularly those to the par-five 18th.
The 42-year-old, who won the World Match Play tournament seven times at Wentworth, had to use all his expertise and local knowledge to move up the leaderboard.
Els was one of only 10 players to be under par, with Donald, set to reclaim the world number one spot, finishing with a birdie on the final hole for a joint best of the day three-under 69 for 11-under 205.
Fellow Englishman Justin Rose also shot a 69 to trail by two shots going into the final round where he will be paired with Donald.
The defending championship needs to finish in the top eight to leapfrog Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut at the European Tour’s flagship event.
Donald first attained the ranking thanks to his 2011 victory and despite losing the No.1 spot since has shown incredible consistency.
“It will be a proud moment personally to go a whole year and still be at the top of the world rankings,” he told BBC Sport.
“But obviously my main focus is to try to win the tournament.”
Ireland’s Peter Lawrie challenged him at the top of the leaderboard until dropping shots on the back nine to be third on seven-under.
Els, fellow South Africans Richard Sterne and Branden Grace and former British Open champion Paul Lawrie shared fourth, but six shots behind Donald.
Overnight leader James Morrison of England slumped to an 81 to go back to three-under.
