Big Easy vs. The Killer Ap

South African Ernie Els may be the only golfer extant in Tiger Woods's class. He can really play and he can make shots under tremendous pressure. That eight iron at the US Open at Congressional on Sunday may well be one of the greatest golf shots I've ever seen.

When the wind comes up in the afternoon at Doral, which is this week's PGA venue, the Blue Monster course is as hard as they come. Els had a late tee time today and had to play in a 25 mile-per-hour wind. And he shot the lights out to take a 2-stroke lead.

Mr. Woods, who hasn't had a good second round all year, grinded out a 70 (two under), leaving him four shots back. So it looks like we might have ourselves a golf tournament worth watching this weekend. An Els-Woods shoot-out, with the wind howling across the Monster, would be professional golf at its best.