Ernie Els wants to go one better this year

Ernie Els plans to draw inspiration at this week's U.S. Masters from his Sunday special at Augusta National 12 months ago.

South African Els fired a sparkling five-under-par 67 in the final round of last year's tournament before being overhauled by a red-hot Phil Mickelson.

"That was the most special Sunday afternoon stroll that I've ever had," world number three Els told a news conference on Tuesday. "It was electric. It was incredible, I've never felt that.

"That is the way you need to play this golf course. To do it in the final round with all the pressure felt good.

"I've got to be aggressive when I can be and stay back a little here and there. I want to play the way I played on Sunday (last year)."

Els, a three-times major winner, led last year's U.S. Masters by two strokes with five holes to play before Mickelson clinched the title with two birdies in the last three holes.

Left-hander Mickelson holed an 18-foot birdie putt at the last for a closing 69, and a maiden major victory.

"I still feel good about the 18 holes I played last year, the final day," said Els.

"If I never win this tournament, I've still played some good golf here and I've had some good times here."

The smooth-swinging South African, who has finished no worse than tied for sixth in his last five Masters starts, is in upbeat mood for the first of the year's four majors.

"My confidence is good," he said. "I feel like my game is on a good standing. I'm hitting the ball well and I'm putting well.

"My expectations here have always been to win this tournament. So, if your expectations are that high, anything less than that is a disappointment.

"But, saying that, it's been a good ride for me here. I've had so many chances and had so many special Sunday afternoons," added the twice U.S. Open champion, who finished second at Augusta behind Vijay Singh in 2000.

"If you give yourself just one opportunity to win here, I think you've done well.

"I've given myself numerous opportunities to walk away with a green jacket but it hasn't happened.

"All I can do is try and prepare myself to the best of my ability and have another go at it."