The South African lives only a short drive away from the Fancourt Links course, and has taken the opportunity to get in plenty of practice ahead of the exclusive 35 man tournament.

"I've played this course all December," he said.

"The family was down here for three or four weeks in December and I played a lot of golf around here. I have a good feel for the course right now."

Having dropped to 71 in the world golf rankings, the 42 year-old needs to make it within the top 50 before the end of March in order to qualify for the Masters.

And, with no victories in 2011, Els needs to pick his game up again this season to return to his former glory.

"I'm hitting the ball beautifully," he told reporters.

"Really I'm very happy with my ball striking. I'm still working on the flat stick. Hopefully that behaves itself this week, and I think I can have a very good chance.

Teeing off with Els this week will be fellow South African Charl Schwartzel, the highest ranked player on the field.

Although having missed the cut at last week's Joburg Open, the 2011 Masters champion is confident that he'll perform better this week.

"Last week I missed out, but I played decently and only missed four greens in 36 holes - I just couldn't get the ball in the hole," he explained.

"My game feels even better now and hopefully some putts go in so I can get my confidence going as I build up to Augusta."