Ernie excited about fresh start

Ernie Els will get his season under way this week with one clear target already set – to put last year's disappointments firmly behind him and rediscover the consistency that once made him one of the world's best. The South African rounded off a shocking 2011 by dropping out of the world's top-50 for the first time since 1993, following a year in which the three-time major winner failed to register a single tournament victory and struggled with nearly all aspects of his game.
 
After such a miserable 12 month, Els will start the new season knowing he still has to qualify for this year's Masters – meaning the two-time runner-up may have to undertake a tough qualification campaign for his place at Augusta in April. Those following the golf betting should bear this in mind.

With his current ranking of 70 - Els' main aim this year will be in securing a speedy return to that all-important world top-50, as well as once again challenging at the big tournaments. He may be the wrong side of 40, but there won't be many who believe Els will go throughout the rest of his career without winning again.  
 
Getting back among the titles would quickly secure Els' place at the Masters, and that will be 'The Big Easy's' target when he gets his year under way on home-soil this week. The 42-year old will join a host of big names to battle it out for the Volvo Golf Champions title at Fancourt in South Africa, which holds not only some valuable ranking points, but also the small matter 350,000 Euro prize.  

The popular South African has admitted he is delighted to be getting his season under way on home soil, insisting he still feels full of motivation ahead of the new year despite his advancing years.  People placing a bet need to remember this.

"'Trust me I always look forward to getting back into the swing of tournament golf," he said.

"'I love it. And even after 20-plus years as a tournament professional I still get excited about the prospect of a year's competitive golf ahead of me."'

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