Four-time major winning, Ernie Els was flat on his back and clearly in agony early on day one of the 2013  WGC – Cadillac Championship in Miami.

Els was heading to the second hole of his round after starting from the 10th on the Blue Monster but was soon noticed  rolling in agony as Fran Caffrey’s exclusive – www.golffile.ie – photos show.

The South African got his championship efforts off to an indifferent start when he put his second shot into the water ahead of walking off with a double bogey ‘7’

But there was then the drama at the next tee, the par four 11th,  with his Australian-born trainer, Vern McMillan having rushed from the clubhouse to be with Els while he was joined also by Andy Dawson, Els’ manager.

McMillan placed a white towel on the ground and Els just fell backwards in agony on the towel.

It seemed as though the reigning Open Champion was battling a severe cramp of sorts.

Els was later helped to his feet by McMillan and surprisingly teed up and then proceeded to birdie the hole on route to a one over par 73.

Ausrtralian-born trainer, Vern McMullen rushes to Ernie Els aid as the four-time is clearly in agony.  Els manager, Andy Dawson (blue) nervously looks on.(Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

Vern McMullan working on Ernie Els’ left leg but with the South African clearly in agony as he was making his way to the 2nd tee during day one at the WGC Cadillac championship. El’s manager, Andy Dawson nervously looks on. (Photo – Fran Caffrey / www.golffile.ie)

Vern McMillan continues to work on Ernie Els. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)