Els opts out of Arizona again

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While the world number five's 2008 plans are at this stage "subject to change", the current absence of the event in which he has such a dismal record appears significant.

In stark contrast to October's championship in Europe, where he has triumphed a record seven times, Els has played the American version on six occasions and has been beaten in the first round four times and the second round twice. Not once has he made it even to the last 16.

The South African star, who did reach the semi-finals when it was staged in Australia in 2001, stayed away in 2004 and 2005, but on his return two years was toppled by Bernhard Langer on the opening day and last February, despite the switch from San Diego to Tucson, was sent packing straightaway once more by Welshman Bradley Dredge.

Els starts this season at the Dubai Desert Classic in three weeks' time and then, according to his website, plays the following week's Indian Masters and will not launch his American campaign until the Honda Classic in Florida starting on February 28.

Referring to his schedule he states: "You may notice it 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.

"To be honest, I think there were maybe times in the past when I've tried to please too many people. Not now. 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 I've already won.

"The biggest single goal 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."