South African pair Ernie Els and Dylan Frittelli trail first-round leader Si-Woo Kim by five at the Valero Texas Open.
Neither have booked their place at next week’s Masters, meaning this week is a must-win if they are to make a late dash to Augusta National.
Presidents Cup Internationals team captain Els was steady for his opening 71 as he found 14 of 18 greens in regulation. His round was in contrast to that of countryman Frittelli, who made his Masters debut in 2018.
The former University of Texas star found just eight fairways and only one more green in regulation as he bounced back from an opening double bogey with two front nine birdies, battling back to par. A birdie at his 17th hole allowed him to finish the day under par and join Els in red numbers.
South Africa’s final competitor this week, Justin Harding, is Masters bound, but finished with a 73 after two back nine bogeys. The South African, playing on an invite this week, battled to put himself in scoring positions at the notorious punishing TPC San Antonio layout, finding just eight greens in regulation.
Abraham Ancer, JT Poston, Brian Stuard, and Jhonattan Vegas are tied for 2nd at -5.
Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler find themselves in the large group tied for 6th at -4.
