Ernie Els leads The European Tour challenge at The Barclays in the United States after an opening score of six under par 65 left him just two shots behind his fellow South African Rory Sabbatini at the top of the leaderboard.
Els has been edging his way back to his imperious best over the past two months, with a fourth place finish at The Open Championship and a third at the US PGA Championship indicating that he is getting close to the form that has brought him three Major titles and a host of wins around the world.
Two eagles, three birdies, 12 pars and one bogey at the Westchester Country club in New York left Els in a tie for fourth place after round one of the US PGA Tour event – the first Play-off tournament of the inaugural Fedex Cup.
“I really played solid on the back, but my approach shots, I didn't get it close enough to the holes and when I did you know, I kind of misread some of the putts,” said Els.
“You know, I was fortunate enough to make birdie on 18. So, there you go, 6 under, and you know, not bad for the first round.”
England's Luke Donald remains in contention on three under par while compatriot Brian Davis was on the same score after five birdies and two bogeys.
Justin Rose and Ian Poulter both shot a one under par 70, while Ireland's Open Champion Padraig Harrington is one shot further back on level par for the first round.
