Els recovers after delay to sit three behind leaders

By Larry Fine

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - Three-times major winner Ernie Els recovered from a double-bogey after returning from a rain delay to post a one-over 71 in the opening round of the PGA Championship on Thursday.

"Conditions were really tough. Breeze was blowing, the fairways were very firm and it was really tough to keep the ball in play on the fairways," Els told reporters after ending the day three shots behind co-leaders Robert Karlsson and Jeev Milkha Singh.

"It was a real beast today."

The burly South African had balanced two bogeys with two birdies on the front nine as one of the day's late starters and had to contend with blustery conditions before the threat of lightning caused an 85-minute weather delay.

After resuming play, Els stumbled at the 501-yard, par-four 14th where he took a six after driving into rough just off the fairway, laying up, overshooting the green and hitting a poor shot coming back.

"I made a big blunder today on 14," the 38-year-old said.

"It wasn't pleasing but at least I'm still in it. I had a very good finish.

Els saved par at the 16th and then struck a lovely tee shot at the testing 238-yard, par-three 17th and sank the 12-foot birdie putt.

He gave himself another birdie chance at the difficult 18th, but his putt slid to the right of the cup.

(Editing by John O'Brien)