Three-time major winner Ernie Els has revealed that the prospect of having to qualify for the Masters is motivation for him to return to his best.

The former world number one's poor form last season saw him drop out of the game's top 50, and he will face qualifying for the Masters for the first time since 1994.

The South African said: "Obviously the Masters is right around the corner. I've never really been in that position where I had to try and qualify for it because I've been fortunate enough to basically glide through and get in there.

"I've got to do some work, and I think it's good for me. It will keep me focused, believe me, get me trying, and I think that that's a good thing."

Els is currently preparing for this week's Northern Trust Open, which he won in 1999.