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By Kent Gray
Ernie Els turns 50 in October and admits he’s already looking forward to the short-hop from there to 2020 and a crack at his fellow legends on the PGA Champions Tour. It seems the Big Easy isn’t in that much of a rush to cash in on golf’s ultimate retirement plan though.

The colossal South African rolled back the years on Friday, a second round 65 on his beloved Majlis bettering an opening 68 to ease into a share of second place alongside Alviro Quiros at the halfway stage of the 30th Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

It’s still far too early to even begin considering the delight of a fourth Dallah trophy and a first win anywhere since he claimed the last of his 28 European Tour wins at the 2013 BMW International Open, even if Els is just a shot shy of overnight leaders Bryson DeChambeau and Lucas Herbert.

But the way he’s negotiated Emirates Golf Club in 11 under already this week, albeit with five bogeys, it’s little wonder all the great memories of his three wins here have come flooding back.

“I like this place, as you know,” said Els who still holds the course record of 61, set in 1994 when he claimed his first European Tour win in Dubai.

“I’ve had some really great times here. I’m swinging well, my body feels well. Just, you know, going on the memory bank, I guess. Playing with Colin [Montgomerie +2] and José [María Olazábal +6 ] was also fun. We’ve done a lot in the game, and we had a good couple of chats, and I found my form. You’ve got to love it.”

The galleries on 18 certainly appreciated Els’ birdie finish on Friday. He left a 35-footer a roll or three short of an eagle that would have seem him draw level with DeChambeau and Herbert on -12 and match the three he scored on the par-5 10th. But he’d already lit up this milestone Desert Classic with the beaming smile he flashed after flushing an iron to the heart of the final green.

“I think these youngsters, they’re going to keep firing birdies. I think the course might get a little bit tougher because the greens are going to get a little firmer and quicker, but these kids can really play.

“I’m just happy with the first two days. You know, you’ve got to keep going….just keep the foot on the pedal, try and make some birdies. I think 20-under is probably where you need to be or maybe even more. There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Els had no idea that he will rack up his 300th career top-10 if his Majlis magic continues this week, some going when you consider he’s closing in on 800 professional starts in a career spanning more than 30 years. He’s not sure a 58th worldwide win is possible either but does concede there will be a lot of eyes on him on moving day.

“That’s fine. I’m enjoying it.”

Not half as much as the rest of us.