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Ernie Els starts his 2007 schedule in Qatar
World number five Ernie Els, refreshed after a break from golf, feels his game is sharp and is itching to launch his 2007 schedule at this week's Qatar Masters.
Previous trips to the Middle East have provided the South African with plenty of success, especially when he won back-to-back titles in Doha and Dubai two years ago.
"In 2005 the tournaments were played the other way round, the Dubai Desert Classic first and the Qatar Masters the week after, and I was lucky enough to win them both," Els told his official Web site on Monday.
"It wasn't quite so spectacular last year, 13th in Qatar and then I lost in a playoff to Tiger Woods in Dubai. But I've got high hopes this week...when you've won on a golf course, any time you come back you tend to have a good mindset."
Els is keen to get going again on Thursday after his Christmas and New Year layoff.
"This is the first tournament of the New Year for me and that always feels like a new beginning. I love it," said the 37-year-old.
"This is my 18th year as a pro but that buzz never wears off. I can't wait to tee it up this week."
Els waited a long time to pick up his first title of 2006, winning the South African Open in December.
"In some ways it lifted a lot of pressure from my shoulders," said the three-times major champion. "My game feels good and my confidence is back to something like where I want it to be.
"It had been a long time between wins, longer than at any time in my pro career. I guess it couldn't have come at a better time."
January 22, 2007
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