Rollercoaster round for the Big Easy

Ernie Els went from the ecstasy of a hole-in-one to the agony of a double bogey when he began his bid to win the British Open and take the world No 1 spot off Tiger Woods today.

The 2002 champion had the seventh ace of his career on the 123-yard “Postage Stamp” eighth, emulating the feat of 71-year-old Gene Sarazen in the 1973 championship.

“Me and Gene Sarazen. I don’t know what he played, probably a five-iron,” said Els. It was indeed, whereas the South African needed only a pitching wedge that bounced past the cup and then spun back into it.

But at four under par Els found sand on the short 17th, failed to get out first time and ran up a five to finish with a two under 69.

“I had a bit of a downhill lie, but it wasn’t the most difficult shot I’ve ever had in my life and I just messed it up. I thinned it into the bank in front of me.

“From such a highlight to such a lowlight, it’s amazing. Anything under 70 in a major championship is a pretty good score, but it could have been better.

“I don’t know what I was thinking. I just didn’t hit a good shot.”

Els has had one other ace in a major – at the 1997 US PGA at Winged Foot – and seven altogether in tournaments.

“I was thinking nine-iron, but Ricci (caddie Ricci Roberts) talked me into the wedge.”