ZealousGolfer.com

South African Ernie Els might be ready to take on the world again after winning the South African Airways Open. Els, a former member of the exclusive "big five" group in the world ranking, has regained a top five ranking after his victory. In order to move back to the top, Els jumped Retief Goosen, Vijay Singh, and Padraig Harrington.

After suffering a knee injury during hi vacation last season, Els looked to get back on top but failed to put four good rounds together in 2006. The Big Easy may have gained some momentum after beating fellow South African Trevor Immelman. That momentum will definitely be important going into 2007 where he will look to reestablish himself as a rival of Tiger.

Also in Els' favor, the U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club where he won in 1994 in a dramatic Monday battle against Colin Montgomerie.