Immelman stung into life in Madrid

Trevor Immelman began the Madrid Open with a birdie 24 hours after one of the most terrifying experiences of his life.

The South African World Cup-winning golfer was taken by ambulance to the emergency room of a hospital after suffering an allergic reaction to a wasp sting.

“It was scary for a while – there were people around me who looked like they were dying,” said Immelman.

“I was stung in the morning, but it was only in mid-afternoon that I started having pins and needles and my ears really started to hurt.

“They were worried that my tongue would start swelling and I would have trouble breathing, but it never reached that thank goodness and I was released after about 90 minutes. I went back to my hotel, fell fast asleep and feel fine now.”

The 24-year-old, ranked 58th in the world, showed it with a perfect opening drive this morning, pitched to nine feet and made the putt to be one behind early leader Jarrod Moseley.

Australian Moseley lies 114th on the Order of Merit and to keep his tour card cannot afford to drop more than two places.