Augusta, GA …

Four-time Major winning Ernie Els boosted hopes of a 24th Masters after posting a level par 72 on the opening day of the 2017 Masters.

Much has been made about the fact that Els could be competing at Augusta National for a final time given his five-year Masters exemption in capturing the 2012 Open Championship ends this year.

However the 47-year old finds himself sharing 12th place and certainly within sight of finishing within the top-8 that would guarantee an invitation to the Masters in 2018.

Els had been three over par through seven holes but completed the last six in three under par and despite taking a bogey at 18.

“Obviously, you will take a 72 today in these conditions,” he said.

Erniie Els, competing in his 23rd Masters, and on route to a level par 72.

“After what happened last year, it was quite difficult.  And I was hoping for an easier day.

“But I played good golf on the back nine and I got to keep doing what I did.  We are going to be absolutely exhausted by the end of this week, if this weather keeps up.  This is some of the toughest conditions I ever played in.  So we’ll see how it goes.”

Els first contested the Masters in 1994 finishing T8th and then two months later captured the U.S. Open Championship in a play-off from American Loren Roberts and then career-long rival Colin Montgomerie.

His best finish at the Masters twice finished runner-up and both occasions, 2000 and 2004, first to Vijay Singh and then Phil Mickelson.

“My record has not been that great and I’ve told those around me that it is what it is and if it is my last Masters, then it’s my last Masters,” he said.

“I’ve had 23 goes, that’s enough.  I would like one more, of course, but I’ve had a great time.  The members, the people have been so kind to me. And as I say, if you can’t win it in 23 tries, then maybe you should try something else.

“It’s been a great ride here at Augusta so it’s been wonderful and anything special happens we’ll take it.”

And Els was asked about Mickelson, and the player who denied him a Green Jacket in 2004, and Mickelson’s comments that he ranked Els as one of the greats of the game despite not winning a Masters.

“Phil’s a good friend of mine, and he was one of the guys who beat me down, you know,” said Els.

“Really it was just the start of a great run and it was almost like my run came to an end when he started his.

“So it is what it is.  One guy’s ecstasy is another guy’s,  you know, what you call it.  Agony, Agony.”