Posted April 12, 2019, 12:23 pm
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Justin Harding got 12th hole advice from Ernie Els

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Justin Harding walks up 17 during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 11, 2019, in Augusta, Georgia. [ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/FOR THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE]

The iconic 12th hole at Augusta National Golf Club is hard enough without any added pressure. But Justin Harding got just that when he talked to fellow South African Ernie Els last week at the Texas Open.

Photos: 2019 Masters Round 2

Harding, who is making his Masters debut, was looking for tips on Augusta National from Els, a two-time runner-up (2000, 2004) who hasn't qualified since 2017.

"We just kind of spoke of where he's hit it," Harding said. "He's never hit it in the water in 23 years on No. 12. I told him he's completely jinxed me. He said take a line over the traps. You can make par or bogey out of the traps but if you hit in the water, you make a mess."

No worries. Harding cleared the water in each of the first two rounds.

Justin Harding got 12th hole advice from Ernie Els

From AugustaChronicle.com »

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