News: Ernie Els is back this week at Wentworth, scene of his record six World Matchplay victories. This time, though, it is not to play, but to commentate on the battle for the £1million (€1.485 million) first prize - the biggest in golf.

"Being on the sidelines is really not my idea of fun, but that's the way it is," said the South African, who had knee surgery after a sailing accident in July and is not expecting to make his comeback before December.

"I'll be sure to follow events with interest and probably watch a lot of the action on television.

"I'm actually planning on doing a little bit of commentary for the BBC at the start of the tournament, which is a new experience for me. Not done that before. Hopefully it works out okay - I'll let the viewers be the judge of that."

Els, whose home backs onto the West Course at Wentworth, is gradually easing himself back into action after his accident.

"The days I've been home I've been catching up with my physio Sophie and she's been putting me through my paces, making up for lost time I think," he said on his website, www.ernieels.com.

"I knew I'd have to pay somehow for being away (in South Africa) for 10 days. I've been continuing the hard work in the gym as well.

"On Sunday morning my knee felt strong enough for a short stroll on to the golf course here at Wentworth, which involves nothing more strenuous than walking through my back gate at the end of the garden.

"I brought my putter with me and a couple of balls and actually hit a few putts on one green - almost the first time I've had my hands on a golf club since the surgery.

"Man, I was rusty. Obviously that's not surprising, but still, those first few putts were not a pretty sight.

"I tell you what, though, it felt good to be out on the golf course again even if it was for just a few minutes and to hit only a few putts. Another step towards recovery, I guess you could say.

"Obviously you get frustrated sometimes. It's tough not being able to do what you want to do - anybody who has had an injury understands that.

"But to be honest with you I'm a little further down the road to recovery than I thought I'd be at this stage.

"I'm already on the exercise bike, I've got good flex and extension, and the surgeon is pleased with my progress."