Scottish Open: Ernie Els cleared over bunker woe

ERNIE Els’ embarrassment at taking four shots in a greenside bunker during the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart almost became a whole lot worse when the South African was reported by an eagle-eyed TV viewer for a possible rules breach.

The two-time US Open champion was confronted by senior referee Andy McFee after his opening round of 70 and told that a viewer thought Els grounded his club in the bunker. Footage was reviewed and it was decided Els did not warrant the two-shot penalty that any such offence would have carried. He was cleared of any wrong-doing. “Some viewer called in and thought I did something which I didn’t,” said Els. “Maybe thought I was kicking and screaming – no penalty.”

Els said he was “digging a grave” when he attempted to escape the hazard at the 568-yard sixth hole. “I was doing some bunker practice for the Open next week,” he said after making a double-bogey 7. “I was slightly embarrassed.”

Els also made a double-bogey six on the 15th – his sixth hole after starting at No 10 – but seven birdies allowed him to sign for two-under, eight shots off the lead held by Francesco Molinari of Italy.