Life has been anything but easy for Ernie Els.

Ernie Els plans to play each hole at Augusta as it comes, like he remembers doing in 2004 when he finished behind Phil Mickelson. He says that loss has being affecting his play at the Masters. (Associated Press)

He has endured repeated heartbreaks on major stages. He was knocked down by a knee injury while sailing in 2005. He went four years without winning in the United States. He suffered a series of Sunday setbacks that left people wondering whether his days of relevance had passed.

Els has received e-mails and letters offering everything from swing advice to mental tips and diet suggestions.

"I would say my confidence is probably around a seven at the moment," Els said on the eve of the Florida swing.

If that wasn't enough, his family was dealing with his 5-year-old son Ben's autism. It is an issue Els did not reveal until showing up at Innisbrook with an "Autism Speaks" logo on his golf bag.

"With my profile, I can help people and raise money for the prevention of it," Els said.

It would be easy for Els to feel sorry for himself and his family. But the well-liked South African is standing up to everything.

"Listen, we've all got our issues," he said. "Everybody. This is life. This is one of those things. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but he's the nicest little boy you'll ever meet in your life. It's one of those things, and we all get dealt things in life."

Els announced that his family will be moving its primary residence from London to South Florida, not only for the weather and golf courses but also to accommodate his two children.

"Can't take Samantha out of school as much because she's older now," he said. "Samantha is an outdoor kid, and it's good for her to be out here. Schools for Ben, especially, there's some really good stuff happening for him over here. So all in all I think it will be a good move."

Personally and professionally, Els has shown clear signs of emerging from his funk. He snapped a 47-event losing streak on the PGA Tour with the Honda Classic victory at PGA National in March. It was a significant boost for his flagging confidence.

"I guess we get addicted to that feeling, you know, and when you don't get your rush, so to speak, you miss it," he said. "I definitely missed winning over here."

The No. 3 golfer in the world has been working with noted sports psychologist Bob Rotella on restoring his confidence.

"He basically just wants me to be Ernie Els again, to be kind of like the 'Big Easy' again," Els said. "I've been a little bit uptight and a little grumpy, and, you know, basically because I've been trying to get better and win those tournaments."

Els still has some demons to exorcise at Augusta. He hasn't been the same in the Masters since Phil Mickelson sank his hopes with the winning putt on the 18th green in 2004.

"I think in the past I drove myself so much, and especially 2004, the way that happened," Els said. "After that, I haven't really played that well there. I feel this year's a little different. Feel very comfortable with my equipment. I need a couple of good rounds under my belt and then go for it."

Before pulling out because of a virus, Els had planned to play in Houston the week before to stave off Augusta talk until now.

"In the past, the week before Augusta there's so much work going on and a lot of talk from well-wishers and the best people in the world," he said. "You start trying too hard, and by the time you get to Augusta there are too many swing thoughts in your head. I'd rather play a tournament, good or bad. That takes my mind away from the immediate Augusta goal."

But that goal still haunts Els, who desperately wants to add a green jacket to his three major wins in the U.S. and British opens. "I want to win those majors that I haven't won," he said of the Masters and PGA. "That would give me a lot of pleasure."

To that end, he just needs to pace himself and his emotions.

"I'm definitely not going to go there and think I'm going to win Thursday," he said. "I'm going to just try and play each hole as it comes. I did that in 2004 when I played well. I know the course and just have to play the shots. If you have a bit of doubt at Augusta, you've just got to step away. You can't hit a shot with any bit of doubt in your head."

Els is moving in the right direction, regardless of whether his confidence has risen to the level he was searching for.

"I just want to do the best I can," he said.

"Basically, get to those majors, and if things really start soaring, who knows?"

Reach Scott Michaux at (706) 823-3219 or scott.michaux@augustachronicle.com.