Els will have a rethink on Volvo Masters if Clarke wins in Spain

ERNIE ELS yesterday revealed he could play in the Volvo Masters after all to clinch the European Order of Merit title – if Darren Clarke wins the Madrid Open next week.

Last place at Valderrama would be enough to give Els the money list crown and he said: "I'm going to see what Darren does and then decide. I'm not committing to anything at the moment."

The South African was one shot away from clinching the title at the American Express world championship in Atlanta two weeks ago, but even though he is nearly £570,000 ahead of Clarke the Ulsterman could have pipped him by a mere £270 by winning the last two counting events.