Els cuts his losses to focus on majors

Ernie Els will skip the $7.5 million Accenture Matchplay for the second year in succession as he dedicates himself to major glory. The European Tour number one won a record sixth World Matchplay title at Wentworth last year, but has a poor record in the WGC version in California.

The world number three lost in the first round to Paul Azinger in 1999, the second rounds to Bob Estes in 2000 and Tom Lehman in 2002, and - most surprisingly of all - to New Zealand's Phil Tataurangi in the first round in 2003. He did reach the semi-finals in 2001, losing to Pierre Fulke, but that was when the event was held in early January in Australia and many other star names stayed away.

Last year, the South African withdrew to be with his daughter, Samantha, in her first week at school, and the 35-year-old will again be absent when the 64-man field assembles at La Costa from February 23rd-27th.

"Last year was a very good year, but the four majors were very disappointing," said Els ahead of the defence of his Heineken Classic title in Melbourne this week. "I had four chances to win, but basically blew the one at the US Open. I have learnt a lot and had some time to reflect on last year, especially in the majors, and there are a couple of things I can improve on and work on which will hopefully make a difference."

Els claims Tiger Woods will never be the dominant force he once was. The 29-year-old American won his first strokeplay title in more than a year when he claimed victory in the Buick Invitational event last month. But, despite that revival of sorts, Els doesn't see Woods regaining the stranglehold he once had on the game. "Everybody has become better players and technology has brought everybody closer together," said the South African. "He's had a very good start (to the year), but I can't see him being dominant again."

Woods won eight Majors between 1997 and 2002 but has not won any of his last 10. "The guys out there are a lot more confident, they've stepped up their games. No one is hitting it 30 or 40 yards past everybody else," added Els. "Technology has changed the game - 12 or 15 years ago, before titanium drivers and new golf balls, it was a different game. At the moment, he is playing better, and more confident. But other guys will be right there."

Woods is likely to be without his regular caddie when he returns to action later this month. New Zealander Steve Williams, bagman for Woods since early 1999, injured his hand in a racing car accident last Friday and is expected to need two months to make a full recovery. Williams does not know when he will be able to rejoin Woods.

Williams, who needed surgery on his left hand after his modified saloon car overturned and struck a safety wall at the Baypark Speedway in Tauranga, phoned Woods at his Florida home on the day of the accident. "When I called him, he said, 'you sound a bit groggy'," Williams said. "I said, 'that's because I'm lying in a hospital bed'."

"My hand's going to take a couple of months to heal properly, apparently."

Meanwhile, Ireland's Christy O'Connor - widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest natural talents - has been given honorary life membership of the European Tour.

O'Connor won 24 European Tour titles, represented Britain and Ireland at 10 Ryder Cups and - partnered by his good friend Harry Bradshaw - won the 1958 World Cup (known as the Canada Cup) for his country in Mexico City. "It was a very pleasant surprise when I heard and it is a great honour," the 80-year-old Irishman said.