Els set to miss Masters

Ernie Els has ruled himself out of competing at the Masters this week even if Augusta National offer him a last gasp invitation.

Although there is little chance of officials offering the former Major winner a spot, the 2000 and 2004 runner-up insists he will not accept an invite.

"To go through all of this and then get an invite, I wouldn't take it. They can keep it," he said.

"It's not going to change my life either way. I've played many out there - it's one of those things."

The South African has not missed the season's first Major since 1993 and after failing to win the Shell Houston Open last week will not be in the field come Thursday's opening round.

Speaking ahead of the Houston Open, Els said: "If I get into The Masters, that's great. If I don't, then I've had many Masters that I can look back at, and I'll get back in there next year."

Els could have secured a Masters birth through being in the world's top 50 but spurned a golden chance at the Transitions Championship three weeks ago by bogeying his last two holes in the final round.

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