But there is one shot in the South African’s back catalogue that springs to mind quicker than any other, especially when it comes to his long association with The Open.
Els had already finished runner-up in his quest for the Claret Jug in 1996 and 2000 before heading into the final round at Muirfield with a two-shot advantage atop the leaderboard in 2002.
And while he eventually had to hold his nerve in a four-way play-off, it was his miraculous bunker shot on the 13th hole in regulation play that will always be remembered the fondest.
He went on to reclaim the Champion Golfer crown a decade later at Royal Lytham & St Annes, but his sand save remains the best shot he has ever hit at the most prestigious major.
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