Perth, Feb 14: Ernie Els continued his early season domination by carding an eight-under-par 64 for a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia on Thursday (February 13). The South African is chasing his fourth victory in five tournaments this year having clinched the opening two events on the U.S. PGA Tour, finishing second in the Singapore Masters and winning the Heineken Classic title in Melbourne. Els recorded an eagle and eight birdies on the Lake Karrinyup course in Perth to head Britain's David Lynn by one stroke in the tri-sanctioned European, Asian and Australasian Tour event. Terry Price of Australia was in third on 6-under. Els, the world number two, began his quest for a 46th career victory in style with birdies on his opening three holes. Beginning from the 10th tee, he recorded a birdie, eagle and birdie in a three-hole stretch from the fifth, eventually playing his opening nine in a seven-under-par 29.


Els also birdied his 10th and 12th holes but then two putted from three feet for a bogey at the 13th before eventually getting back to 8-under with another birdie at his 16th.


Welshman Ian Woosnam was in a group of five players on 5-under, with Nick Faldo of England, runner-up to Els two weeks ago in Melbourne, one shot further back with 11 other players.


Defending champion Retief Goosen of South Africa needed an eagle at the 14th to help him to a disappointing level-par 72, while Spain's Sergio Garcia's poor run of form continued with a 2-over round of 74.


Bureau Report