Els still smarting

Defending champion Ernie Els leads a host of big names into the South African Airways Open at Pearl Valley this week, with the world number five looking to bounce back from his final-hole collapse four days ago.

Els, who threw away a two-shot lead on the last hole at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday to concede the title, is one several stars in Paarl this week.

The impressive line-up also includes reigning US Open champion Angel Cabrera, former SA Open winners Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Tim Clark, as well as former world number one Greg Norman.

But all eyes will be on Els after his astounding breakdown on the 18th at the Leopard Creek Country Club that saw him shoot a triple-bogey eight and hand the title to England’s John Bickerton.

Speaking ahead of this week’s event, the 38-year-old admitted it will be difficult to bounce back from that set-back, but insisted he is up for the challenge.

“Obviously, you know what happened last week, I mean it’s still difficult to kind of comprehend,” said Els.

“I’m glad to be here and obviously it’s difficult a little bit for myself personally after my mess-up last week to be fully focused at the moment.

“But I’m sure I’ll be ready by tomorrow hopefully. This is a new week, it’s the South African Open. I’m the defending champion here, so I’d love to do well.”

Goosen, who won the tournament in 1995 and 2005, said: “I’ve had a week off, but I’m now nice and relaxed and looking forward to the week. The course is looking good and I just can’t wait to get out there.”

The other surprise visitor to this week’s event is two-time British Open champion Norman.

The Australian’s last tournament was the Dubai Desert Classic in March 2007 and he admits he is now taking golf more lightly, with his business interests more of a priority.

He said: “It’s great to be back. It’s been quite a hectic summer from a business perspective, so I didn’t really play much golf in the United States or on a global basis. I only started practising about for weeks ago.

“I don’t feel like I’ve got enough competitive rounds under my belt. My expectations are to do well. I’ve had a couple of rounds under my belt, so we’ll see how it pans out.”

The British challenge at the £717,806 co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event is likely to come from Order of Merit leader Ross Fisher, last week’s winner, Bickerton and Darren Clarke.

The Northern Irishman finished 33rd last week and is keen to continue with his improvement after a tough 12 months.

He said: “Last week, I pointed out that the way I played from tee to green was the best I’ve played in probably three years. So I’m hoping to build on that and maybe putting a little bit better.

“I just want to go out and play and we’ll see then how it goes.”