"It's really nice to come back to a tournament where I have such great memories," said Els. "The South African Open has always been one of my favourite weeks of the year and it's a tournament that means a lot to me." Apart from his triumph in the 100th playing of the South African Open at Durban Country Club last year, Els has also won the country's flagship golf tournament on four other occasions: 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2006. Last year he beat countryman Retief Goosen in a dramatic finish that also featured fellow Major winners Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.

　　"Retief, Charl and Louis really piled on the pressure in the final round but it all came down to making the putts when they counted, which is what I managed to do over the closing stretch last year," recalls Els.

　　The three-time Major champion is without a win this year despite producing several good weeks, but remains optimistic about his prospects.

　　"Ultimately you always judge things by results and I'm a little disappointed about my year so far," said Els. "My game is actually in pretty good shape and my play at the Fry's.com on the PGA Tour recently was encouraging. The key is to always stay patient."