South African golfing star Ernie Els said on Sunday that he wanted to win a major next season and top of his list would be the Masters.

The 39-year-old had a disappointing season this year — afflicted by a putting problem — but the world number nine told AFP that he had a clear target for next year.

"I want to win a major next year definitely," said Els, who was in Mauritius to unveil his newly-designed golf course, his seventh and has another eight underway.

"Preferably if I could choose one it would be the Masters. I never won the Masters, I won the US Open twice and the British Open, preferably I would like to win the Masters or the PGA."

Els, who won the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and The Open in 2002, said he didn't think it was impossible for him to reclaim the world number one spot — but acknowledged he would need to work on his putting.

"When you have been number one before, you feel like you can do it again," said the golfer known as the 'Big Easy'.

"I am working on my putting which has been quite bad this year to be honest. I am working on that with Butch Harmon"

Els, winner of 59 tournaments, said that the knee injury suffered by Tiger Woods this year hadn't been that bad a blow to the sport.

"It's given an opportunity for younger guys like Sergio Garcia who is really gone to another level this year, he's challenging for number one and Anthony Kim is a young American player who's come along very well.

"I won a tournament earlier this year but I didn't have the finish I wanted, that's why I take some time off now to get myself really fresh and ready for next year because I feel that next year I can challenge again."

Els, though, said that Woods was doing the right thing by not rushing back to full tournament play and was looking towards the Masters.

"Yes I think so, he (Woods) is giving himself enough time to get back, it was a big injury I had the same injury, it takes a long time for your mind just to feel comfortable with the knee," said Els.

"Tiger is being very cautious. He is doing the right thing to try to get back and try to start winning tournaments. He is taking his time which is a good thing. I came back four months after my injury."

Els said that he would more than likely play in Dubai next year, especially given the parlous financial atmosphere at the moment.

"I'll play a couple of more tournaments on the European Tour next year, and I'll definitely put myself into position for Dubai as other players will be, especially in this economic environment," he said.

"The Race to Dubai will be a big attraction for a lot of players, especially with the economic climate the bigger prize money will attract a lot of people."

Els said he would play a little bit more in Europe because he believes that the US Tour in particular could suffer from the credit crunch.

"The US-Tour schedule is normally out at this time of the year but it is not yet out, it hasn't been printed yet some of the events might be under threat, a couple of tournaments might not take place," he said.

"These are very, very difficult times at the moment and probably to the next year."

AFP

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