The battle to qualify for the Masters this year is providing Ernie Els with no shortage of motivation.
The 42-year-old three-time major winner hasn't missed a trip to Augusta since his debut there back in 1994, but thanks to a poor season last year, the South African is no longer in the top 50 in the world - which means he's also no longer assured a place in the Masters field.
"Obviously the Masters is right around the corner. I've never really been in that position where I had to try and qualify for it because I've been fortunate enough to basically glide through and get in there," said Els, who is in California preparing for this week's Northern Trust Open.
"I've got to do some work, and I think it's good for me. It will keep me focused, believe me, get me trying, and I think that that's a good thing.
"I'm going to play quite a few tournaments with Left Handed Callaway RAZR X HL Irons now running up to Augusta, so I'll give myself a good chance of getting in.
"It's a motivation, but my goal this year is to really get back and play proper golf and maybe get back to that short putter.
"I think I'm close to getting back to that and playing the way I can play with Left Handed Callaway RAZR X HL Irons and I think if I do that the rest will take care of itself.
" I started out in life, I wanted to be the best player in the world and win as many tournaments as I could. I got married and had a family, and your direction goes a little different way.
"I'm still a professional golfer and I still want to win golf tournaments this year and in the future."
Els knows this week's event is a golden opportunity to pick up some valuable rankings points. He's often professed a love for the layout at Riviera Country Club, and has won here in the past.
"I love the bunkering, I think it's phenomenal," he said.
"I love the angles they have with their greens, the way the course flows - you've got to draw a lot of shots, fade a lot of shots."
A stiff challenge awaits Els, however - Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson are all in the field as well, along with a number of other notables.