Ernie Els wants to compete in next year's Murphys Irish Open at Druids Glen. The reigning US Open champion made this clear at Wentworth yesterday when he said: "Looking at my schedule, I would be delighted to play the Irish Open, if they invite me."

Els made his Irish Open debut at Killarney, and he was also in the field at Mount Juliet, where he was watched by his parents.

His last appearance was at Druids Glen in 1996 when he shot an aggregate of 286 for a share of 12th place, seven strokes behind the winner, Colin Montgomerie.