The South African has four Major Championships including two Opens on his CV but has yet to claim one in the over-50s game.
His 2002 Open win came at Muirfield, however, and with two victories in Scotland’s national open in the bank, Els is feeling very much at home at Gleneagles.
“The course is in wonderful shape,” he said. “I always enjoy playing in Scotland. It’s a wonderful place to come.
“You’re at the start of the Highlands and it could play like a links course. Not quite there but it’s got that kind of feel on some of the holes. Rough is quite heavy but just enjoying the wedge.
“There’s so much different golf but the game was born here and started here and everywhere you go, it’s just a wonderful experience.
“St Andrews last week, the Old Course, very different experience to here.
“But this is special because everything is old here, all the courses are old here. It’s really played with the lay of the land in mind and same with this one.
“You’ve got greens up on the hill, and you go down and there’s a lot of elevation change and it’s wonderful golf and very different from St Andrews but still playing in Scotland.
“I’ve always felt comfortable playing in Scotland and winning The Open here and the Scottish Open. I’ve always enjoyed it so hopefully I can enjoy this week and play good golf.”
Since entering the Seniors circuit, Els has won twice on the PGA TOUR Champions and, at just 52, is confident there is more to come.
“I’m still relatively young on this circuit and I feel I’ve got a lot of opportunity to do good things,” he said.
“There’s a lot of good players that’s coming through but I still feel if I play good golf, I can win tournaments.
“I’ve only won twice but I feel I can do good things and I feel comfortable around here.”
