Els aims for summit

Singapore, November 9: Three-times Major champion Ernie Els has got his mojo back ahead of this week’s Barclays Singapore Open.

The South African, runner-up in 2006 and 2008, has slipped down the world rankings mainly due to putting woes but is “definitely up for” one of his favourite tournaments.

“It is good to be back. You forget how hot it is but great to be back here – a great town, wonderful sponsor and great courses. There aren’t many complaints this week,” he said.

“I have been second twice and I ran JeevMilkha Singh pretty close in 2008. I have had some good runs here but I haven’t played the format with the two courses so that will make it interesting.

I had a look at the other course (The Tanjong) and it looks like you will have to make a pretty good score there to keep the pace. The Serapong is an amazing golf course now – it has really come a long way.

“It would be good to get the win here. I am really looking forward to this week actually. I am definitely up for it – I have a bit of hunger back and it will be great to get out and play.”

Molinari misses Pro-Am with injury

Francesco Molinari had a birthday to forget ahead of the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open with a nagging wrist injury causing him to pull out of the pro-am on Wednesday.

The Italian, who turned 29 on Tuesday, is in danger of missing his 12.15 pm tee time on Thursday with Sweden’s Alexander Noren and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa.

“Not my best birthday ever,” he wrote on Twitter. “I have pulled of the pro-am again (after last week in Shanghai) and I am going to have an MRI on my wirst.

“Hope to understand what is going on.”