SINGAPORE - South African star and four-time Major winner Ernie Els is the latest addition to next year's SMBC Singapore Open.

The 47-year-old last competed at the Sentosa Golf Club in 2011 when he finished tied-23rd. He was runner-up twice, in 2006 when Australian Adam Scott beat him in a three-hole play-off and was joint-second in 2008 to India's Jeev Mikha Singh.

Els, a former world No. 1 whose ranking has dropped to No. 345, said in a statement on Monday (Nov 28): "The last time I played in Singapore was in 2011 so I am really looking forward to getting back there and having another shot at the title.

"It was good to see the tournament get back on the schedule earlier this year. There is a strong fan base of golf support there, it is a beautiful city and of course the Serapong Course is one of the best there is in Asia."

Els has won 71 titles worldwide, his last coming in 2012 when he surprised many to win his fourth Major at the British Open.

This will be his sixth appearance at the Singaproe Open.  The US$1 million (S$1.4 million) tournament will be held from Jan 19-22 at Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong Course.

It is jointly-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation. Among the other golfers who have committed to the event include three-time winner Scott, Spanish star Sergio Garcia and defending champion Song Young Han of South Korea.

Tickets start from $20 and can be purchased online at smbcsingaporeopen.com.