Open champion Ernie Els admits he is struggling to come to terms with the course at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational.
Els and the man he beat at Royal Lytham last month, Adam Scott, shot 71s in the first round while Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods could only manage level-par rounds of 70.
Els admitted: “The course is in great shape. I just never get the knack of this place for some reason. It’s just one of those things.
“Some holes just feel difficult. I’ve been coming here for 20 years and I’m trying to change my attitude every time and the course gets me every time.”
Jason Dufner, 16/1 with bookmaker to win the Bridgestone Invitational, made an encouraging start to the event, which is being held in Akron, Ohio, by firing a three-under-par 67 on the opening day at Firestone to join a group of nine players who are four shots behind leader Jim Furyk after the first round.