Ernie Els is to cut back on his hectic international schedule in a bid to win more Majors.
The 38-year-old South African is known to be among the most widely travelled of golfers on the circuits, regularly globe-trotting to events in the United States, Europe and Asia.
But he has vowed to be more focused this year as he looks to add to his Majors haul of two US Opens and one British Open, the last one coming at Muirfield in 2002.
”I think there were maybe times in the past when I’ve tried to please too many people. Not now,” Els told his website.
”I’m 38 and I need to think about me and how I can give myself the best chance to add to the three Majors that I’ve already won.
”The biggest single goal that I have left in this game is to win the career Grand Slam — to win all four majors at least once — before I’m done. It’s important I do everything in my power to make that goal achievable.
”My schedule looks a little different to previous years. This reflects my desire to try to gear my game around the Majors and the other big tournaments.”
Els, who has struggled to regain his top form since undergoing knee surgery in 2005, will kick off his season at the Dubai Desert Classic starting on January 31 and will not begin his United States campaign until the Honda Classic on February 28. — Sapa-AFP