Lara's praise for golf champ pal Els

Brian Lara and Ernie Els have a mutual respect for one another — and it is not difficult to figure out why.

Both men epitomize professionalism, are fierce competitors and reached great heights during their careers.

South African Els is a two-time U.S. and British Open winner, while Trinidadian Lara holds records for the highest individual score in Test (400 not out) and First Class (501 not out) cricket.

They were reunited at this week’s PGA Grand Slam, where Els won the 36-hole championship by a single shot over American David Toms.

Lara, who backed Els during arguably the most difficult tournament to qualify for, personally congratulated his long-time friend amid joyous scenes at the 18th green. The former West Indies captain said: “It was an excellent performance and a great show of patience and discipline.

“I got here after about 12 or 13 holes on the first day and Toms was already on minus four.

“When you look at the scores it was a very tough game — a game you have to have a lot of patience for and it’s great to see he is still showing that at 40.”

Els’ patient approach was reminiscent of Lara’s record-breaking batting exploits against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground in 1994 and 2004.

Lara said: “Like all games, you have to take things in your stride.

“If things don’t go your way you have to be patient — and he was very patient.

“Even though Toms was leading by two or three shots he hung in there, made his pars and occasional birdies and pulled through.”

The ‘Prince of Port of Spain’ plans to return to Bermuda with former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke to play golf — and possibly take guard in the middle.

He said: “Ernie Els comes here to play golf professionally so maybe I can come and play a few cricket games.

“Golf to me is fun and leisure and I will definitely be back. I am trying to get my best friend Dwight Yorke to come here and play some golf with me.

“If he can come we can have a great time here.”

Els knows all too well just how much fun Lara can be, having been taken by surprise when the latter produced a bat and ball for an impromptu game of cricket near Port Royal’s signature 16th hole during the Grand Slam of Golf Pro Am event.

The Big Easy said: “I was walking on the tee and he gave me a cricket bat… I haven’t held a cricket bat for 20 years.

“He bowled at me and I made contact, thank goodness, and then I bowled at him and he hit it about 150 yards.

“It was great to see Brian again. He’s a legend of the game and I am a great fan.

“I met him during his cricket tours of South Africa in the early 90s, just after he did that record beating innings (1994).

“Brian is a good friend and his golf game is very good. He is an avid golfer and I’m really happy to see him here this week. I didn’t know he was coming.

“We played golf in the Pro Am and we are going to play some more golf in the future.”