Trevor Immelman cited his recent switch to a 'belly-putter' for a dramatic change in fortune as he fired a seven-under-par 65 for a share of the lead in the Tournament Players Championship of Europe first round.
But his compatriot and world number three Ernie Els, trailing Immelman, Frenchman Gregory Havret and Britain's David Howell by two strokes, caused controversy when he urged golf's rule-makers on both sides of the Atlantic to ban the belly-putter.
He said: "I'm not interested in the belly-putter. It should be banned. I think nerves and skill in putting is part of the game and you should take a tablet if you can't handle it. It's become such an easy way to putt. You push the putter into your body and then you can make a perfect stroke."
Best of the Irish were Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington who both carded two under rounds of 70. Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy were both a stroke behind on one under. Graeme McDowell hit a one over 73 while Damien McGrane shot a three over 75.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
