In a bid to win a record fourth Nedbank Golf Challenge, Ernie Els has had a special three-wood made for him by equipment sponsors Callaway for the annual Sun City showpiece beginning on Thursday.

The Big Easy knows how tough the rough can be on the Gary Player Country Club course, especially after good rains as has been the case this summer.

And therefore a three-wood off the tee instead of a driver on some of the tight holes makes sense. Rather sacrifice a bit of distance and make sure the ball is on the fairway, is his reasoning.

"I wanted them to make me up a really strong three-wood, which they've done. I've tried it out and it seems to be working well. It makes a funny clunk when you hit the ball - as these modern high-tech metal woods tend to do. But if you're hitting it sweet and straight, who cares what the shot sounds like."
Continues Below ↓