Faldo chases Els

Ernie Els has shot into an impressive lead

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South African Ernie Els birdied nine holes in perfect scoring conditions to take the early first-round lead with an 8-under 64 at the $1m Heineken Classic in Melbourne.

Els finished the day two shots ahead of Welshman Mark Pilkington, the surprise package on the first day of this famous tournament.

It was also a good day for Nick Faldo, who shot a five-under par 67 to lie three strokes behind leader Els.

"If some people think I am past it then good luck to them. But I am here because I want to be and because I want to have fun," said Faldo.

This is one of the great courses in the world, but there is a fear factor to it

Nick Faldo

Faldo's new relaxed mood was illustrated at the first tee, when he refused to react to the ringing of a mobile phone.

"A few years ago I would have gone over and bitten his head off. I'm such a nice guy now!"

The winner of six Major titles sank 20-foot putts for eagle on the second and birdie on the fourth as well as rolling in a 45-footer at the 17th.

"So far, so good," said Els, who made a number of putts from 15 to 20 feet for birdies.

"It was a nice cool morning and the greens were absolutely perfect."

Adam Scott, playing in the group ahead of Els, birdied his last hole to finish five-under on the par-72, 6981 yard course that was last used for a major tournament at the 1998 Presidents Cup.

Defending champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand and Australian Craig Parry, playing in the same group as Els, are tied for third with 68s along with Australian Peter O'Malley and David Howell of England.

Other early finishers included two-time Australian Open champion Aaron Baddeley of Australia and Gary Orr of Scotland with 70s and Justin Rose of England with a 1-under 71.

Els' only blemish of the day came on his second hole - the 11th - after he had birdied the 10th.

On the par three 11th, he hit his tee shot off the back of the green and made a poor chip up for bogey.

"That was it, though," said Els. "I hit the ball in play, made a lot of good iron shots in and stayed out of trouble."

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Latest first round scores
Gbr and Ire unless stated, par 72:

8 under - Ernie Els (Rsa)

6 under - Mark Pilkington

5 under - Adam Scott (Aus)
Nick Faldo
Peter Lonard (Aus)
Barry Lane
(x) Eddie Lee (Nzl)

4 under - Michael Campbell (Nzl)
Craig Parry (Aus)
David Howell
Peter O'Malley (Aus)
Patrik Sjoland (Swe)
Marc Farry (Fra)

Others:
3 under - Greg Norman (Aus)

1 under - John Daly (USA)
Justin Rose

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