IT IS breakfast time in a luxurious house on the exclusive Wentworth estate.

Surrounded by his family - wife Leizl, daughter Samantha and son Ben - Ernie Els is busy opening his 35th birthday cards and presents.

There is no hint of the remarkable sporting day ahead as the golfer relaxes with his loved ones and enjoys the October sunshine beaming into his kitchen.

After eating, he makes an overseas phone call to his native South Africa to thank his namesake and 96-year-old grandfather for his gift.

Instead of birthday greetings, he is rebuked: "You're not putting well and it's because you're not keeping your head still."

The words bring Els into focus.

"You've a job to do today - there's history to be made," the rallying Ernie senior continues before wishing his grandson the best of luck.

The birthday celebrations are put on hold. Els knows the best present he can get is victory over close friend Lee Westwood in the 36-hole final of the HSBC World Matchplay.

Half-an-hour later, as he warms up on the range, Els spots Seve Ballesteros making his way to the on-site BBC TV studio.

After his grandfather's words, seeing Seve provides another incentive as it calls to Els' mind the fact he, the great Spaniard and Gary Player have all won the matchplay title five times.

But with three Majors to their respective five and nine, there is an place in the record books available to Els if he wins a sixth matchplay.

There is more, though. Success over Westwood will redeem his 2004 campaign - one which has been a litany of missed opportunities in the Majors.

Back in April, an inspired Phil Mickelson edged him into second by one shot at the US Masters.

Then in June, he blew a golden chance to become world number one by carding a final-round 80 - after starting the day two shots adrift - to finish ninth at the US Open.

He was even closer to victory at the Open Championship, only to lose in a four-hole play-off to American Todd Hamilton at Royal Troon. And he was fourth in the USPGA - a mere stroke off a three-way play-off, eventually won by new world number one Vijay Singh.

But, as he walks over to the first hole of the Burma Road course, this is no time to think about what could have been.

Nine hours on, after 35 holes of competitive golf, a tired but delighted Els is sitting in the champion's press conference.

On the table in front of him, the Mark McCormack Trophy glistens as much as Els' face as he basks in the glory of securing a record title and cheque for £1million.

"Some birthday, eh guys?" he says with a smile before revealing the importance of his grandfather's morning pep talk towards his 2&1 triumph over Westwood.

"He really gave me a bit of beef about my putting. I wasn't happy with it after several misses in my win over Padraig (Harrington) yesterday.

"But doing what he told me made a big difference out there today, especially for my birdie at 35 to halve with Lee and win. I knew if I missed I'd get another scolding later," laughs Els.

And there is every reason for Els senior to be happy. His grandson has now won 22 out of 26 matches in the tournament, amassing £3million from his 10 appearances - an average of £116,000 per match.

It is a formidable record from a formidable golfer - a 6ft 3in winner who hides his mental strength behind a laid-back and good-natured personality.

"I am competitive and really don't like losing. If the other guy is playing well then I am going to do a bit more to respond. Losing is not a nice feeling," he states firmly.

The conversation turns back to the final. Although he had to play under the pressure of what was at stake, Els says he put it all to the back of his mind.

"I was desperate to win but wasn't thinking about the record. When I thought about winning four matchplay titles in a row, playing against Vijay in the '97 final, it backfired," he explains.

But that was then, it's in the past. This time, he has made history.

Humbly taking stock of his special feat, Els raises his eyebrows and speaks in reverential tones about realising a golfing ambition.

"It wasn't the greatest golf, but it's matchplay. I hit the fairways and greens and kept my nose in front.

"Lee and I played eight times in four days, so we were a little bit tired and that had something to do with the way we played out there.

"But it's a great feeling to beat the record of a great player like Seve, who I saw walking around. I've not spoken to him yet, but I will.

"It was in 1994 - 10 years ago - that I got my first victory here, beating Seve in the second round on the way. I had to play my best-ever golf in this tournament to beat him.

"I never thought I'd go on to match his and Gary's achievements. I'm behind them in the Majors, but at least I've got one record off them now!

"It's a wonderful feeling and this one is definitely the most special, for that reason. It's a great 35th birthday treat to myself."

Els, whose house backs onto the 16th hole at Wentworth, is swift to praise the role his family, and staying at home, has had in his success.

"It has definitely helped me this week. It's so nice, given the lifestyle we lead, to be able to eat at home and sleep in your own bed," says Els.

"The past three weeks have made my year. It's been an amazing time, winning in Ireland and now here.

"Three weeks ago I was whingeing about all the missed victories, but it's turning out to be a great season."

However, his final sentence rings slightly hollow. Does matchplay success really make up for the disappointment in the Majors?

He swallows, before replying: "It's been hard, but I have made peace with how I did in the Majors. I'm getting back to where I want to go and it feels nice - I'm a different player again.

"I'm very grateful for what's happened here but the Majors are still the ones I really treasure. I still want to win Majors and the grand slam - but now it's time to go and get drunk," he roars.

The room laughs with him. It's hard to imagine perhaps Tiger Woods - who Els leap-frogged to become world number two after his win - saying the same thing. But that is Els. For all his wealth and standing in golf, he is friendly, open and grounded - a man whose talent hasn't been honed to the detriment of his personal relationships.

Even though he is shattered, before going home he still makes time to pose for pictures, sign autographs and answer a few more questions.

On a day of sporting history, an exceptional talent has added to his reputation as a golfer and person.

And as birthdays go, it takes some beating - just like Els.