Els knows this No rubber snakes this time at Merion

Els knows this No rubber snakes this time at Merion

ARDMORE, Pa. — One of the more memorable moments in the history of the U.S. Open and Merion Golf Club will never happen again, two-time U.S. Open champion Ernie Els said. First, because there most likely isn't anybody in golf who actually could pull it off. ADAM SCOTT: First major as a major champ We're not talking about Ben Hogan and his 1-iron from 1950. THE FEUD: Handshake for Tiger, Sergio We're talking about Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus and a rubber snake in 1971. Trevino brandished the snake on the No. 1 tee before the legends began an 18-hole playoff, ultimately won by Trevino. Trevino was one of the game's best showmen, with a raucous sense of humor, in his prime. He also was among the game's best players: Six major titles (two U.S. Opens, two British Opens and two PGA Championships). Times have changed, Els says. "Imagine, there would be snipers coming out of the trees," Els said with a laugh, when asked what might happen if someone flipped a rubber snake at somebody on the first tee of an 18-hole playoff?. "There would be an investigation going on that — somebody might get shot. "I don't think just to get to where you guys are here now, took about 20 minutes from the practice range, through all the blockages in the road and the security and all that stuff. So that would be quite something." But seriously, Els said: "I don't like snakes. I hope they don't do it with me. I might have a heart attack.

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