PAARL, South Africa (PA) -- Defending champion Ernie Els leads a host of big names into the South African Airways Open at Pearl Valley this week, with the world No. 5 looking to bounce back from his final-hole collapse four days ago.
Els, who threw away a two-shot lead on the last hole at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday to concede the title to a shocked John Bickerton, is one several stars in the field for the South African national championship this week. The tournament is co-sanctioned by the European Tour and southern Africa's Sunshine Tour.
The impressive line-up also includes reigning U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera, former South African Open winners Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Tim Clark, as well as former world No. 1 Greg Norman.
But all eyes will be on Els after his astounding breakdown on the 18th at the Leopard Creek Country Club that saw him tee off with a two shot lead, then shoot a triple-bogey 8 to lose by a shot.
"Obviously, you know what happened last week, I mean it's still difficult to kind of comprehend," said Els, who admits it will be difficult to bounce back from that setback but insists he is up for the challenge.
"I'm glad to be here and obviously it's difficult a little bit for myself personally after my mess-up last week to be fully focused at the moment," he explained. "But I'm sure I'll be ready by tomorrow hopefully. This is a new week, it's the South African Open. I'm the defending champion here, so I'd love to do well."
Goosen, who won the tournament in 1995 and again in 2005, is also looking for a victory to end an otherwise disappointing season.
"I've had a week off, but I'm now nice and relaxed and looking forward to the week," he said. "The course is looking good and I just can't wait to get out there."
The other surprise visitor to this week's event is two-time British Open champion Norman. The Australian's last tournament was the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic in March and he admits he is now taking golf more lightly, with his business interests more of a priority.
"It's great to be back. It's been quite a hectic summer from a business perspective, so I didn't really play much golf in the United States or on a global basis," he said. "I only started practicing about for weeks ago.
"I don't feel like I've got enough competitive rounds under my belt," he added. "My expectations are to do well. I've had a couple of rounds under my belt, so we'll see how it pans out."
The British challenge is likely to come from European Tour Order of Merit leader Ross Fisher, Bickerton and Darren Clarke. The Northern Irishman finished 33rd last week and is keen to continue with his improvement after a tough 12 months.
"Last week, I pointed out that the way I played from tee to green was the best I've played in probably three years. So I'm hoping to build on that and maybe putting a little bit better," said Clarke. "I just want to go out and play and we'll see then how it goes."
Bickerton, meanwhile, is putting no extra pressure on himself after his surprise win last week.
"My expectations are just the same as last week. At the end of the day, I said all along, I'm going to enjoy the two weeks that I'm playing here and I intend to do so," he said. "I enjoyed last week and long may it continue.
"I just played the Pro-Am and the course is looking good. It's the first time on the course, so it's nice to get to know it," he added. "The course is beautiful. If it stays like this all week, I reckon we're in for a treat."
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