Ernie Els dominated the Heineken Classic today at Royal Melbourne by carving out an eight-under par 64 to lead the $1.3 million tournament by two shots.
He leads Welshman Mark Pilkington who fired six birdies in his 66. Another shot back are six-time majors champion Nick Faldo, English compatriot Barry Lane, Australians Adam Scott and Peter Lonard and New Zealander Eddie Lee.
Two-time winner Michael Campbell of New Zealand was among a group of six on four-under 68.
Greg Norman, busily practising after his surprise invitation to play in the US Masters at Augusta in April, opened with a three-under 69.
John Daly, who has signed up to play 11 tournaments on this year's European Tour, got to three-under at the 10th but dropped two shots on the final six holes to card a one-under 71 in his first official round on the course.
AFP