A seventh hole eagle had Ernie Els soaring into the lead early on the final day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Els, looking for a first PGA Tour victory in two years, drilled a 229-yard shot from the rough at the par five seventh to just eight foot and then holed the putt.

The effort sent Els from one behind overnight leader Jason Dufner to momentarily two in front after the American dropped a shot at the par four sixth hole.

Dufner, the hapless runner-up in last year’s PGA Championship, is looking to secure his first PGA Tour success and just six days before he celebrates his wedding.