Els aims to cure putting problems

Three-time winner Ernie Els is looking to continue his impressive record at the Dubai Desert Classic this week but admits he needs to address some issues with his putting.

The South African has finished in the top three for the last seven years, including two wins since his maiden triumph in 1993.

In 11 appearances he has not finished lower than eighth and his opening-round 11-under-par 61 in 1994 remains the course record.

He missed out on a fourth win last year after being outdone by a majestic Tiger Woods over the final round, but with the world number one unable to defend his title as he continues to recover from knee surgery, Els is upbeat.

“I feel comfortable here,” said Els. “I have some good lines I follow off the tees. But it is very lush, high rough this year so you’ve got to keep the ball a bit more in play which will mean being less aggressive off the tee.

“I’m playing okay although I am not scoring very well. I started the year in Hawaii and played the Mercedes Championship and Sony Open and played pretty well at the first event but on the third day I really had some putting problems and I think that put some doubt into my head and over the last couple of weeks and I haven’t been really comfortable on the green.

“I am looking at a new putter this week. I have been working hard on my putting so hopefully I can get that sorted out and have a good week.”

Last year the 39-year-old headed up the last hole needing a birdie to force a play-off with Woods, but to his credit took on the opportunity to claim the win outright with an eagle.

His three wood approach caught a gust of wind and a bogey six relegated him to third.

“I lost to Robert-Jan Derksen one year,” Els recalled. “I remember him shooting a 65 and losing by one to him.

“I lost in a play-off to Tiger another year and played four rounds with Henrik Stenson one year and lost by one stroke.

“I’ve had a lot of success, but I’ve also lost several maybe by a single shot. But it’s been a good tournament.”

Dubai-based Henrik Stenson returns to his home course looking to build on last week’s second-place finish in Qatar, where Spain’s Alvaro Quiros triumphed.

Stenson, the 2007 champion, has finished inside the top eight in the last three years and ranks the course as one of his favourites.

Stenson was also in contention 12 months ago before a final round two-over-par 74 forced him down to sixth.

“I really enjoy playing this course because you never get fed up playing it and it’s always a tough test,” said the 32-year-old, who is part of a field containing five of the world’s top 12 players.

“I’ve played the tournament since 2001 so I’ve had quite a number of rounds on it and every year you add something to your experience bank and it should get easier and easier.”

World number two Sergio Garcia, Robert Karlsson and Lee Westwood are also in the field.