Els off to a flyer

South African Ernie Els took advantage of the benign conditions to birdie his first two holes and claim a share of the early lead at the CA Championship in Miami.

However, all eyes were on Tiger Woods as he prepared to tee off looking to continue his six-month winning streak.

The world number one has won in his last seven starts, including six official tournaments, and is the defending champion at the World Golf Championships event on the Doral Resort’s Blue Monster course.

Several players quickly jumped to two-under-par, while England’s Justin Rose picked up an early birdie to be one off the lead after four holes.

Compatriot Paul Casey was preparing to tee off with Woods but he is no stranger to such elite company, having played three rounds with the world number one at last year’s Masters.