An upbeat Ernie Els hopes to cash in at the inaugural $6 million CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, starting on Thursday, as he chases a third Tour victory of the year.

The winner of three Majors, nicknamed the ‘Big Easy’ for his cool demeanour and effortless golf swing, is one of the leading names in the line-up at the spectacular Mines Resort and Golf Club in Malaysia alongside the likes of Australian Adam Scott, Luke Donald of England and American Rickie Fowler.

Korean teen titan Noh Seung-yul, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, will spearhead the region’s challenge alongside reigning number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand in the 40-man tournament which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the US PGA Tour, the first such collaboration between both tours.

Els is feeling excited with his second visit to Malaysia, saying his one-shot victory at the four-man PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda last week put him back on the right track after back-to-back titles in America earlier in the season.

“After last week's win, I’m coming in here feeling good about my game,” said Els, the world number 11.

“Like everybody in the field, we’re excited to be here."

Els was delighted with his new driver last week and also pleased to find his touch on the greens. “It felt great and I was definitely getting it out there a long way. I'm expecting to drive the ball very well again this week.

“And I've got some positive putting vibes from last week's back-nine performance on the greens,” said Els, who has amassed over 65 tournament victories around the world.

Scott, who has won titles in China and Singapore previously, will be making his first visit to Malaysia.

After a poor couple of seasons, the dashing Australian claimed victory at the Texas Open this year and has finished in the top-10 in three of his last six starts in America.

“I’m enjoying it very much as I always do in Asia. The course is very impressive. It’s in fabulous condition and it’ll prove to be a challenge to everyone,” said Scott.

“I would like to keep the good vibe going here in Malaysia. I love playing up here and I’ve had some success. I feel very welcomed in Asia and the people are always so nice. I'd love to win this week.”

Scott believes his game is back on the upswing.

“At the end of last year, I started swinging the club better and had some good results and built some good momentum from there and I’ve won a couple of events.

"I’m fairly pleased with where my game is at. It’s still a work in progress but I can see there is a lot of room for improvement which is good,” said Scott.

The 21-year-old Fowler, who made an impressive Ryder Cup debut, is heading the American challenge in Malaysia. He was happy to fly halfway around the world in his bid to land the $1 million top prize.

“The game feels good and I’m excited to be here. I think the toughest part was getting here with a lot of flying,” said Fowler, who has finished in the top 10 on eight occasions this year.

“This is my first time in Asia as a professional. It is great that we are coming over here and I love to travel and seeing different parts of the world. I’m excited to be here especially since this is a first-time event and being part of a small field. I think it is going to be a big move for us and I look forward to a fun and good week.”

Eurosport