Africa › Africa 08.03.2013

Ernie Els hopes for Thailand boost

By AFP

Ernie Els of South Africa, pictured in Palm Beach Gardens in Florida, on March 1, 2013. By Stuart Franklin (Getty Images/AFP/File)

BANGKOK (AFP) - South African star Ernie Els said he was looking for a positive showing at this month's Chiangmai Golf Classic to help launch his season, according to organisers.

The reigning British Open champion will headline the field at the $750,000 event from March 28-31 in northern Thailand, along with fellow major-winners Michael Campbell and Y.E. Yang.

"It's still the early part of the season and it would be great to get a good result as that will give me great confidence for the year ahead," Els, 43, was quoted as saying in a press release on Friday.

Els's best result so far this year is tied 13th at last month's Northern Trust Open in California. Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, a three-time winner of the Asian Tour order of merit, will lead the local charge at his home event.