Ernie Els has declared himself refreshed and ready to tackle the world class field assembled at Loch Lomond Golf Club for The Barclays Scottish Open this week.
The World Number six, who won this event in both 2000 and 2003, opted to take a three-week break from his schedule ahead of this tournament as part of his preparations for The Open Championship next week.
It was a holiday that may have brought the South African some swing rust, but ultimately he hopes the extra rest will help him past the likes of Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott over the coming days.
He said: “That's the gamble you take and the gamble I took. I felt I had a three week break in my schedule. There’s a lot of great sport going on down where I live in England, and my wife went to the races and I went to Henley and Wimbledon and all over the place.
“So my game's got a bit of rust on it. But I've had a good run here; I've won twice. I've had some close finishes here in the past. I feel it's a good golf course for me for my game, and I feel refreshed, for one.
“We've got a big run up coming up with The Open next week and one week off and then we go into that busy run right through till September.”
Els admitted part of the allure of playing Loch Lomond was the spectacular scenery - if not the weather. He added: “I think it's a great tournament. It's a great venue. I don't think there are too many places in the world that get more beautiful than here at Loch Lomond. The holes going down the Loch here are beautiful, and a lot of pictures have been taken here over the years and we've had some great winners, too, and that points to a very good venue."
Mickelson lost to Grégory Havret in a sudden-death play-off last year and is hoping to go one better when play gets underway on Thursday. He said: “I really have enjoyed playing this golf tournament the last few years. I came so close last year and I'm hoping to improve on that this year.”
The American hopes Loch Lomond will prepare his game for the challenge at Royal Birkdale next week.
He said: “I think that next week is always in everybody's mind, trying to get ready for next week. But part of getting ready for next week I think is performing well this week, playing well and hitting shots sharply and crisply and getting the short game sharp.
“So I think part of the best way to prepare for next week is to play well and be sharp and be prepared for this week.
“Last year we played in some windy conditions here at The Barclays Scottish Open and that was helpful in my performance last year, and I think that as I continue to work on these little lower shots, less spinning shots, my chances in The Open will continue to improve.”
Defending champion Havret is out early on Thursday morning alongside Scott and local favourite Alastair Forsyth, who is looking forward to the added pressure of playing in front of a home crowd.
“It's a nice pressure, it’s one tournament of the year I really look forward to,” said the 32 year old from nearby Glasgow, a winner at the Madeira Islands Open earlier this season.
“It's a real top-class event, and it's one of best tournaments we have. We get well looked after and the course is fantastic and it's got everything going for it. We manage to attract a great field, and this is very important for The Barclays Scottish Open.
“My form's been a bit indifferent recently but I had a good session on the range with Bob Torrance on Monday and picked up on a few things which we have worked on and I am feeling a little bit better and looking forward to the event.
“It's also a little chance for guys like myself to get into The Open next week.”
