Els looking for some relief after Merion

Reigning Open champion Ernie Els is looking forward to getting back on the birdie trail at the BMW International this week after a punishing week in America.

The South African tied for fourth at the US Open at Merion on Sunday thanks to an impressive one-under-par final round of 69.

However, he is hoping for a less mentally draining experience in Munich, where the tournament has returned for its 25th anniversary.

“I’ve been coming here for a long time and, hopefully, the course is not as tough as Merion – it will be nice to putt for a birdie now and again,” Els said at his pre-tournament press conference at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried. European Ryder Cup stars Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer and United States counterpart Dustin Johnson are also in the field this week having made the same trip back across the Atlantic as Els.

BMW PGA champion Matteo Manassero found himself deposed at the top of the Race to Dubai rankings by Rose’s US Open triumph but that does not unduly concern the Italian, who has set a more attainable target this season which was boosted by his win at Wentworth last month.

“I think top-ten would be a great achievement,” said the 20-year-old.

He added: “I was 13th last year, so I guess a step forward would be top ten.”