Barclays leader Rory Sabbatini: Ernie Els is just as cocky as me

HARRISON, N.Y. (Aug. 23, 2007) - Rory Sabbatini fired a first-round 63 to take the lead in The Barclays, the first of the four FedEx Cup tournaments and he fired at the absent Tiger Woods again, completely dismissing Tiger’s “fatigue” claim. In other words, Sabbatini was Sabbatini, impossible to look away from on the course or in front of a microphone.

Yet Sabbatini claims that fellow South African Ernie Els is just as cocky and abrasive as he is.

“The funniest thing is, Ernie doesn’t remember this, but I met him for the first time when he was 18,” said Sabbatini, who is six years younger than Els. “I went up to him and introduced myself and he goes, ‘Now you can tell everybody else you met Ernie.’ “

Sabbatini broke into a smile.

“Maybe it’s just a South African thing.”

Sabbatini’s story sounds true in retelling and it fits in with Els’ personality for those who know him well. Especially the younger Els. And it’s a classic line. What could be better than an 18-year-old Els telling some 12-year-old kid, “Now you can tell everybody else you met Ernie.”

Still, it’s doubtful whether Els is going to appreciate Sabbatini telling the story - true or not. Adding some drama, Els is only two strokes back of his young punk countryman and he’s continuing to look more and more like the old Ernie.

For more on Sabbatini’s round and his latest Tiger barbs, stay tuned to the front of WorldGolf.com this morning.