Els believes the best is still to come

Revitalised after a four-month injury break at the end of last year, Ernie Els says his best golf is yet to come.

The three-times major winner, renowned for his globe-trotting playing schedule, also believes his golfing itinerary for this season offers him the best chance of success.

"I'm 36 and, relatively speaking, I'm probably passed my prime, aren't I?" the South African said as he prepared for this week's Nissan Open at Riviera Country Club in California. "But I'm not.

"After my injury break, it definitely feels like the second half (of my career) is now in motion. I have prepared myself well for it. I'm strong, healthy and I'm really looking forward to it.

"Vijay (Singh) has set the standard for the 40-somethings and I'm not even there yet," Els said of the Fijian, who was 41
when he took over from Tiger Woods as world number one in September 2004.

"With technology, there is no reason why I shouldn't be winning tournaments in my late forties," added the smooth-swinging Els. "I am hitting it over 300 yards and all of that stuff, so I'm keeping up with the younger guys, within 20 yards at least."

The twice US Open champion, who won the 1999 Nissan Open at Riviera, believes his enforced absence from the game last year was beneficial in many ways.

"It was definitely a long break but I wouldn't say I missed it," said Els, who twisted his knee on a family sailing holiday in the Mediterranean last July. "I did not miss it for a good three months, to be honest.