Sports

Erinie Els glad to see good friend Scott break through at Masters, now set for RBC Heritage

Associated Press
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Bubba Watson, left, helps Adam Scott, of Australia, put on his green jacket after winning the Masters golf tournament Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (The Associated Press)

Brandt Snedeker reacts after missing a putt on the 12th green during the fourth round of the Masters golf tournament Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (The Associated Press)

Ernie Els might've been the second happiest golfer at Augusta National Sunday night.

While he didn't win the Masters, he watched good friend Adam Scott slip on the champion's green jacket.

Els has turned his attention to the strong field for the RBC Heritage, which starts Thursday.

Still, he took a minute to reflect on Scott's win.

Els won the British Open title last July when Scott blew a four-stroke lead with four holes remaining. Els consoled Scott before hoisting the claret jug, then made sure Scott kept playing the kind of golf that wins major titles.

Els smiled broadly Sunday when Scott kept his composure in the final round, and then prevailed in a playoff for his first major championship — and the first Masters won by an Australian.