ATLANTA, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Globe-trotting Ernie Els, the most travelled player in the modern game, is considering not playing in his native South Africa at the end of this year.

The triple major champion has been a regular competitor at the Sun City Challenge in December, among other events, but believes he needs a rest after another hectic season.

"I'll probably not play in South Africa," Els, 39, told reporters after surging into contention in Friday's second round of the elite Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club.

"Maybe I'll go to South Africa and have a real holiday instead of work. Any time I go down there I've got to play, and maybe I'll just have a holiday this time."

Els, who fired a sparkling four-under-par 66 on Friday, will play in Scotland next week before returning to the United States for the Oct. 8-11 Presidents Cup in San Francisco.

"I know it (Scotland) is a long way to fly, and I can't recover so good any more, but it's one of my good weeks of the year believe it or not," said Els, referring to the European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship from Oct. 1-4.

"That tournament has been so dear to myself and my dad. We've played it ever since they changed the format.

"Except for last year, we made the cut until the fourth day every time so it's a great time for me and my dad to be together at the home of golf," added the double U.S. Open champion.