Els falters in pursuit of record victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ernie Els' attempt at a record-equalling fourth straight Heineken Classic title has got off to a faltering start. The world No 3 is aiming to become only the sixth player in official competition to win a tournament four years running, joining the likes of Tiger Woods, Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen. He led from start to finish at Royal Melbourne 12 months ago, opening with a 12-under-par 60, but yesterday he struggled to a one-over-par 72 in his first round.
Starting from the 10th after a delay of two and a half hours because of Wednesday's torrential rain, Els dropped two shots in an outward half of 37 before picking up his first birdie of the day on the par-five second. The 35-year-old also birdied the fourth and fifth to get into red figures for the first time, but two more bogeys left him seven shots off the pace.
Fellow South African Trevor Immelman, the Australian Peter Lonard and England's Steve Webster shared the lead on six under par, one ahead of Colombia's rising star Camilo Villegas.
Among the later starters, Colin Montgomerie was three under par after five, while his playing partner Greg Norman, wearing a microphone to broadcast his thoughts to the television audience, was level par.
Nick Faldo, playing alongside Immelman, hit a 78 to lie third last on seven over, and said: "I was so rusty I should be sponsored by WD-40!"
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments