Els trims events to target majors

Els is determined to complete a career grand slam

South African Ernie Els will play fewer events this year in order to focus on adding to his three major titles.

The 38-year-old has won two US Opens and an Open Championship but has struggled to hit top form following knee surgery in 2005.

Els, whose last major victory came in 2002, is known for playing all over the world in a variety of events.

"I think there were maybe times in the past when I've tried to please too many people. Not now," Els told his website.

"I'm 38 and I need to think about me and how I can give myself the best chance to add to the three majors that I've already won.

"The biggest single goal that I have left in this game is to win the career grand slam - to win all four majors at least once - before I'm done. It's important I do everything in my power to make that goal achievable.

"My schedule looks a little different to previous years. This reflects my desire to try to gear my game around the majors and the other big tournaments."

One tournament the world number five will miss this year is the WGC Match Play Championship in Arizona.

Although he has won the European Tour's matchplay event at Wentworth a record seven times, Els has never made it to the last 16 of the American version.

Els will start his season at the Dubai Desert Classic starting on 31 January and will not begin his American campaign until the Honda Classic on 28 February.