Els facing another early exit

The South African was handed a place in the 64-man line-up when Phil Mickelson withdrew to spend time with his family.

That meant Els picked up the final spot at Dove Mountain, Arizona - although it means he will take on world number one and defending champion Luke Donald in the first round.

And with Els' poor record in the event - his best placing came as a semi-finalist 11 years ago in Australia - the omens are not good.

"Being the last guy in, I've got to play the first seed, Luke Donald, and it's a tough match, like all matches here," he said.

"It's interesting that I find myself in this position. In the past, it hasn't been quite my favourite event and I've skipped it a couple of times."

"It's interesting that I find myself in this position. In the past, it hasn't been quite my favourite event and I've skipped it a couple of times."
Ernie Els Quotes of the week

While former the world number one has clinched the European Tour's World Match Play Championship a record seven times, he has struggled to make an impact in the PGA Tour's equivalent.

Quirky

"My record is not that great here (in this event) but I really enjoy the golf course we play now (at Dove Mountain)," he added.

"It's really well designed for match play. The greens are a little bit quirky and there are a couple of risk/reward holes out there and shots that you have to take on. For match play, that keeps things interesting, especially on the greens.

"The greens are quite tricky and if you miss it in the wrong spots you can have really tough shots.

"It's 18 holes and it's not like I'm the worst match player in the world either.

"So I think I know what I need to do. You've got to keep the ball in play, you've got to keep it in play on every single hole because he's going to be (competing) in every hole.

"It's basically who can make the most putts and the most birdies."