Ernie Els insists he is capable of regaining his place in the top 50 as he looks to maintain his run of appearances at the US Masters.
The South African has slipped to 65th place in the world standings and is out at 66/1 with bookmaker to win the Northern Trust Open this week.
The three-time Major winner is facing the prospect of missing out on the US Masters this April but says his current predicament will motivate him to improve his game.
Els, a past champion at the Northern Trust Open, told pga.com: “Obviously the Masters is right around the corner. I’ve never really been in that position where I had to try and qualify for it because I’ve been fortunate enough to basically glide through and get in there.
“I’ve got to do some work, and I think it’s good for me. It will keep me focused, believe me, get me trying, and I think that that’s a good thing. I’m going to play quite a few tournaments now running up to Augusta, so I’ll give myself a good chance of getting in.”
