Ernie Els had a round to forget on Saturday as he recorded a triple bogey 7 on the 17th hole during third round action at the US Open.
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Els had delighted South African fans by securing a place for the weekend in what is the last year of his exemption as a winner – he won the last of his two US Open titles 20 years ago.
Instead of chasing a top 10, The Big Easy is now T64, with just three golfers behind him after a 79 on Saturday.
There was little joy on his front nine, which started bogey, bogey, par, double bogey. He added another bogey on the sixth before turning in 41. Els dropped a shot on the difficult 12th hole, but got two back when he sank a lovely eagle putt on the short par four 15th.
Then came the 17th, where it was mistake after mistake as he short-sided himself into a poor lie left of the green. His first chip failed to get up the slope on to the green and rolled back down into the fairway. He second chip was identical, and his third just crept on to the fringe before he finally left the green with three shots dropped.
Compatriot Thomas Aiken signed for a three over 75, after nines of 38 and 37 to sit in a share of 47th place.
