MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Ernie Els knows what Royal Melbourne can do to a golfer, probably more than anyone.

Els was a member of the International team that won the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne in 1998 and had three straight wins on the Alister Mackenzie-designed course at the Heineken Classic.

His last came in 2004, when he missed a chance at a magical 59 by one stroke in the opening round and nearly squandered an eight-shot lead in the final round before eking out a win over Adam Scott.

Els says he’ll “take it personally” if the United States, led by captain’s pick Tiger Woods, win the Presidents Cup again when play begins Thursday.

“I’ve had some great tournaments here in the past, a great win in ‘98 for our team,” Els said Tuesday. “It’s always nice having some experience winning on it.”

Els also finished second in the Heineken in 2005, the last tournament that was held at Royal Melbourne, which also coincided with Els’ last visit to play Down Under. The memories from the course, and particularly from 1998, are still vivid.

“We jelled very well as a team,” Els said. “I remember watching us play on the 18th hole, seeing some really big shots pulled off by the team, some amazing chip-ins. That was a really a great factor, we got the crowd behind us, and we rode that wave.”