Ernie Els put himself in position for a fourth Omega Dubai Desert Classic title and then confessed he can still mix it with players half his age

It’s been more than two years since the now 46-year old Els, and four-time Major winner, last tasted victory.

But while Els has no concerns matching golf’s younger brigade off the tee, it’s the shortest club in the bag still causing the biggest concern.

And after posting an opening round 68 to be lying two shots off the Emirates Golf Club lead he spoke of his determination, and 22 years after winning a maiden European Tour title in capturing the 1994 Dubai Desert Classic.

“I still feel like I can compete with the likes of Jordan Spieth, Rory (McIlroy) and these younger players as the equipment has kept me very relative as I can still the younger guys hitting the driver so length is not a big issue,” said Els.

Four-time Major winning Ernie Els says he can still mix it with the players half his age. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“My issue is on the greens and I know if I can get my touch back I can compete and that is kind of what is happening now as I regaining my feel on the greens, and gives me a little more kick.

“So I feel I am going to have a good year.”

However Els was lucky to take his place in this year’s field with a nagging left rib injury forcing him out of Wednesday’s Pro-Am

“I am having my ribs heavily manicured (smiling) but then also taking pain-killers and using Tiger Balm,” he said.

“I was hitting balls ahead of the Pro-Am and it just locked-up on my left side.  I just could not move but then with all the treatment I have been having, it was a lot better today.

A fan is about to take a ‘selfie’ of four-time Major winning Ernie Els

And Els, and wearing a black ribbon on his cap, then spoke of his sadness in the passing of the 62-year old Scottish caddy Dave Renwick who ‘won’ five Majors – the 1994 Masters with Jose Maria Olazabal, the 1995 PGA Championship with Steve Elkington and defeating Colin Montgomerie, the 1998 and 2008 PGA Champsionship with Vijay Singh and 2000 Masters also with Singh.

“I knew Dave very well and even when I came out as a youngster, he was a legend as both a caddie and a person,” said Els.

“Davie and I had lots of great times together. Whether we were in the US, Europe or Asia, he was a very good friend of mine.

“When he caddied for Jose and Vijay, we played so many practice rounds together. Myself and Vijay were both competing at a really high level in those days and Dave was on his bag. He was a great guy and a very straightforward man. There was no hiding.

“He was brilliant in the Presidents Cup team rooms. He was a man of few words until you got him going. He led by example the way he caddied and carried himself. He was just a fantastic guy.”