The big, easy swinging South African is hoping victory in the Honda Classic will be a springboard to further success and even help him to finally start building on the ambitious goals he has been setting himself in the past couple of years.

Without a win in America since the American Express Championship in 2004, Els has endured a difficult time - especially in the last 18 months since knee surgery interrupted his career.

The 38-year-old has been working with renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella, who was present throughout the final round, and Els was quick to acknowledge his influence.

"He's just such a wonderful guy and he's gotten to know me a little bit better now and he basically just wants me to be Ernie Els again, to be kind of like the Big Easy again," said Els.

"I've been a little bit uptight and a little grumpy basically because I've been trying to get better and win those tournaments.

"You have either bad luck or bad play but whatever happened to you, you start getting a little uptight. So he's been trying to relax me a little."

And Els, who revealed plans to threaten Tiger Woods' world dominance in 2006, admits he still has the competitive streak required to get to the top of the tree.

"I am 38 right now, and I can quite easily go and enjoy being with my kids and go build golf courses and stuff," he added.

"But I really still want to achieve a lot playing the game, and I still want to win a lot.

"I guess we get addicted to that feeling and when you don't get your rush, so to speak, you miss it.

"I have definitely missed winning over here.

"I just felt that's the kind of goal for me to really strive for and practice for. So I'm not sure where I am right now, but we'll see."

FOOTNOTE: Although a little upset at the way he had let the Honda title slip away with bogies at 13 and 14, Luke Donald had high praise for Els during his meeting with the media.

When asked 'in what regard do you guys hold him (Els)?' Donald replied: I think Ernie has one of the most solid, best swings on Tour.

"I think he's one of the best golfers I've ever played with. I think his, you know, natural ability to play well and has that natural ability in his swing, and it's surprising that he hasn't won for so many years on this tour.

"You know, maybe this win will open up the floodgates a little bit, and yeah, I think Ernie's a great player."

For the full text of the interview Ernie Els gave the media after his victory on Sunday, see our Q & A With Ernie Els in our features section