Ernie Els has said that he is hoping there will less of a fuss about the new Wentworth course at this year's BMW PGA Championship.

The prestigious event begins on Thursday and the South African, who helped create the new-look course, wants players to forget the troubles of last year.

Englishmen Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have been among the critics since the Surrey course was toughened up two years ago.

Casey called it a "grind", while Poulter said after a second-round 74 last May: "You're watching, you tell me; is it fun?"

Speaking to reporters, Els said: "Criticism is always tough to take but if it's granted in the right way I'm fine with it.

"The way it was [made public in the media] in the first year was a little childish but hopefully we'll have more smiling faces from the players this year.

"You make changes on a great course like the West Course, people are going to not like it."

Luke Donald grabbed the world number one spot from Westwood by winning last year's event in a dramatic playoff.