I need to start winning tournaments Ernie Els

The last of Els's three majors came in 2002, but the world number four says he is returning to his best form.

"I'm not quite where I think I can be but if I get up to this next level, maybe I can at least give him a real go, a run for his money," said Els.

"Somebody needs to step up - he's playing some awesome golf."

The 37-year-old said his performance at Southern Hills had confirmed that his fourth-place finish at last month's Open was the start of a new lease of life.

"I have to keep going on this trend and start giving him a go soon," added Els.

"At the Open (last month) I had a really good chance that I just didn't take. But to come from six back against the world number one was always going to be tough.

"The way I played here on the final day and at the Open on the final day, that's the way I want to play in major championships.

"I'm looking forward to it now. I want to play this type of golf day-in and day-out in majors."

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Els, who won the 1994 and 1997 US Opens and the 2002 Open, was Woods' main foil in 1999 and 2000 and went agonisingly close in all four majors in 2004 when the American was rebuilding his swing.

He was second in the Masters, lost a play-off to little-known Todd Hamilton in the Open, shot 80 in the final round of the US Open after beginning the day in the last group, two off the lead, and came fourth in the USPGA.

The South African's confidence was dented, despite climbing to number two in the world, and his chances for redemption were hit when he injured his knee on a sailing holiday and missed the back end of the 2005 season.

Els admitted he was still slowly rediscovering his form but said he had been pleased with his improvements in and around the greens.

"My putting is better and my short game is coming around," he said.