Ernie Els has a troubled start at the Dubai Desert Classic
ERNIE ELS would have had a catalogue of reasons for playing poorly in the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
At the age of 46, South Africa's four-time Major winner could have cited the power of modern youngsters like Rory McIlroy, who were not even wearing long trousers when he began his career.
There was a rib injury he picked up on the practice ground 24 hours earlier and his year-long struggle on the greens since the changes in golf laws forced him to abandon his long-handled putter.
And just before he teed off he learned of the death overnight of his long time friend Dave Renwick, the 62-year-old Scottish caddie who had lost a battle against cancer.
Els: "Qatar tough to win"
However, after he had signed for a four-under-par 68, which left just him two shots behind the leader, Sweden's Alex Noren, Els had nothing but a smile on his face.
"I feel I compete can with the youngsters like Rory because equipment has kept me very relative to the modern game," said Els. "A year ago I had a tough spell on the greens but now I feel my touch is coming back and it has rekindled my love for putting.
"I felt very positive the way I hit the ball for most of the day and I would take 68 in the first round here any time."
