No joy of six for Els and Broadhurst

Ernie Els and Paul Broadhurst took 15 shots between them on just one hole – but were still in contention for the Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Broadhurst drove out of bounds on the par-five sixth to run up a double bogey seven, and was followed seconds later by playing partner Els who took eight.

That looked to be the end of their challenge but both covered the more difficult back nine in just 31 to card rounds of 68 for a three under total of 210 – joint third but six behind Sergio Garcia.

“I wish I could have that one tee shot over, I would be that bit closer,” said South African Els, who also admitted he duffed his second shot to the 18th but saved par.

“With Paul taking seven I guess we had a bit of a team chat and turned it on.

“There were opportunities today and I had a lot fun, apart from one tee shot. You think your tournament is over, and it still might be, but hopefully Sergio gives us a bit of a chance.

“Obviously Sergio is going for his first major, he is going to have a lot to think about. I’ve been in that position.

“You can’t hope for him to play badly, I have to try to get something going and hope for a bit more breeze to test the leaders a bit more.

“Last week I was five behind and almost got there (he shot 65 in the last round of the Scottish Open to finish third) and I have to do the same tomorrow.”

Broadhurst, who shares the record for lowest round ever in a major with his 63 at St Andrews in 1990, is initially targeting a top-10 finish to guarantee him a place at Birkdale next year.

“At the turn I was thinking if I can hold it together at one or two over I would be quite happy but to finish like that was great on a seriously difficult stretch,” said the 41-year-old Midlander.

“It’s one of the hardest back nines in golf and to come back in 31 is what dreams are made of.”

Broadhurst carded two birdies and an eagle on the 14th, holing from 40ft on the 514-yard par five.