Woods tries to keep one streak, end other
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-16 08:57

"I haven't played with Tiger, or in that kind of a field, for a while. And to play that well and almost win was quite exciting," Els said. "I'm looking forward to the year."

Better yet, Els got his traveling out of the way for now. In the past, he would leave Hawaii for places like Singapore and Australia and the Middle East, then head to Florida to begin his march to the Masters. The two Middle East tournaments were moved up this year, so Els will be in the United States the next two months.

He realizes he is getting older, but has no plans to cut back on his travel. Looking at his record, which includes three majors and six runner-up finishes, he sees no reason to change.

"Up to now, I've had a great career," Els said. "A couple of putts here and there, it could have been a lot better."

At least he has one thing Woods doesn't — a trophy from the Nissan Open.