Els seeks form and sense of humor

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GEORGE, South Africa -- Ernie Els didn't just lose his touch with the putter in a disappointing 2011 season, he also lost his smile.

The South African's U.S. Open titles from 1994 and 1997 and his 2002 British Open triumph seemed a particularly long time ago last year as he struggled with his form on the greens.

"I've kind of lost my sense of humour, you know. When you don't putt well your sense of humour doesn't work very well," Els said. "I'd like to get my sense of humour back. My work ethic and determination, especially this year, is better than ever because I had such a dismal season last year.

"I would like to really turn things around this year and see if I can win some tournaments again."

Els' first chance starts Thursday at the Volvo Golf Champions on The Links course. He will be among an exclusive field of 35 champions with 392 victories between them, including 14 majors.

Els has won 68 professional career titles -- 55 on the PGA and European tours -- but at No. 71 he is outside the top 50 in the world rankings and therefore doesn't qualify automatically for the Masters in April.

"I know where I stand and I know what I need to do," he said. "I have a couple of months to rectify that. I don't want to be asking for an invite there."

Ranked 89th and also a three-time major winner, Padraig Harrington finds himself in a similar position.

"I certainly had a peak year in 2007 and another peak in 2008. It's impossible to always have peak years," the Irishman said of the span that brought his two British Open titles and a PGA Championship victory.

"It doesn't worry me in the greater scheme of things, because I know you can't win them every year. You have to sit there and be patient and wait for your turn -- and like 2007 and 2008, they all come at once."

The field also includes reigning Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, current British Open champion Darren Clarke and 2012 European Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal.