Tiger era provides a bittersweet experience for Els

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida, May 9 (Reuters) Playing in the same era as Tiger Woods has been both a blessing and a curse for Ernie Els.

The big-hitting South African has won three major titles, two of them since Woods turned professional in late 1996, but believes his tally could have been at least two higher.

However, Els also acknowledges there is no greater reward than winning tournaments when 12-times major champion Woods is in the field.

''I think if Tiger wasn't around I maybe could have won a couple more (majors),'' Els told reporters on Tuesday during preparation for this week's Players Championship.

''He's very dominant and he's been up there more consistently than any other player.

''But if you can win tournaments with him around, you know that you've beaten the best field ever to have played probably. You've really accomplished something.'' Els, who claimed his first major title in the 1994 US Open at Oakmont, believes deeper strength in global golf over the last decade has made winning a more difficult prospect.

''The fields, in general, are a lot stronger than they were 10, 20 or 30 years ago,'' the world number five said.

''There are a lot more guys that can play out there, rather than just 10, 12 or 15 guys. If you win tournaments now, you're really performing well.'' Smooth-swinging Els has not tasted victory on the PGA Tour since late 2004 and struggled to hit top form last year while recovering from knee surgery.

WINNER'S CIRCLE However, he is confident his fitness problems are now behind him and is hungry to return to the winner's circle.

''Physically I'm ready again,'' said the twice US Open champion, who was sidelined for four months at the end of 2005 after twisting his knee on a family sailing holiday.

''My knee is fine, my back, everything is pretty good. I've got new enthusiasm and I'm picking myself back up.

''Every week is kind of different and I'm just trying to work myself towards winning a tournament. From there, I'd like to win a lot more tournaments.'' Els has not won a major championship since the 2002 British Open at Muirfield, despite several close calls.

He was the form player in the 2004 majors, being edged out by Mickelson at the final hole of the Masters, tying for ninth in the US Open at Shinnecock Hills and sharing fourth place at the PGA Championship.

''Although I've won three, I think 2004 is the most disappointing of all the disappointments,'' he said. ''That was probably the time to separate myself a little bit.

''Since then, there's definitely been a slide in my performance and now I want to pick it back up again.

''As a player growing up, I always thought I had it in me to win majors. I always felt quite confident that I eventually would win majors. I always had dreams of winning quite a few.'' The Players Championship starts on Thursday.

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