Els and Goosen tip big future for Haig

PHUKET – Major champions Ernie Els and Retief Goosen are predicting a big future for young compatriot Anton Haig, who upstaged them to win the Johnnie Walker Classic.

His victory Sunday propelled the 20-year-old to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and won plaudits from two of the biggest names in golf. When asked if there was a big future for Haig, Els, a three-time Major winner, replied: “Absolutely.””He’s one of the longest hitters out there.If he gets control of his game, he’s going to be very tough to beat.”He’s very young, 20, and a big guy, even bigger than me.He hits it longer than I do.It’s a matter of getting experience and just playing.”He’ll need to go through the emotions and the stuff that you have to.He’s handled himself well (in Phuket).”It was the impressive manner in which Haig prevailed over many of the game’s top stars, including Mike Weir, Colin Montgomerie, Els and Goosen, that caught the attention of his more famous colleagues.Haig courageously birdied the 18th hole to join the playoff and then pulled off another birdie at the same hole in extra time to beat compatriot Richard Sterne and England’s Oliver Wilson.Goosen, a two-time US Open champion, was equally impressed with Haig, who stands at an imposing six feet four inches.”He’s got a good swing and is very strong, He’s probably 20 or 30 yards ahead of me,” said Goosen.Nampa-AFPWhen asked if there was a big future for Haig, Els, a three-time Major winner, replied: “Absolutely.””He’s one of the longest hitters out there.If he gets control of his game, he’s going to be very tough to beat.”He’s very young, 20, and a big guy, even bigger than me.He hits it longer than I do.It’s a matter of getting experience and just playing.”He’ll need to go through the emotions and the stuff that you have to.He’s handled himself well (in Phuket).”It was the impressive manner in which Haig prevailed over many of the game’s top stars, including Mike Weir, Colin Montgomerie, Els and Goosen, that caught the attention of his more famous colleagues.Haig courageously birdied the 18th hole to join the playoff and then pulled off another birdie at the same hole in extra time to beat compatriot Richard Sterne and England’s Oliver Wilson.Goosen, a two-time US Open champion, was equally impressed with Haig, who stands at an imposing six feet four inches.”He’s got a good swing and is very strong, He’s probably 20 or 30 yards ahead of me,” said Goosen.Nampa-AFP