Els flying high with Augusta Mastersclass in his sights

ERNIE ELS returned to America yesterday — after a brief stopover at his Wentworth home to “hug the kids” — flying high in every sense.

An astonishing Qatar Masters victory seven days after a thrilling Dubai Desert Classic win has put Els in the perfect frame of mind for the final countdown to the Masters at Augusta in three weeks.

In Dubai, the South African made an 18-foot eagle putt on the final green to beat Miguel Angel Jimenez and Stephen Dodd by one.