Masterful Els Takes Buick Classic Lead

Ernie Els continued his mastery of the Westchester Country Club at Harrison, N.Y., with a 7-under-par 64 that gave him a two-stroke lead over Brad Faxon in the opening round of the Buick Classic.

Els outdid himself in what was his lowest round ever at Westchester. It came despite fears he would still be preoccupied with his victory last weekend in the U.S. Open.

One stroke behind Faxon were Jeff Maggert, Vijay Singh, Paul Azinger and Jim Furyk.

Tiger Woods bogeyed four of his first six holes but birdied the last two to finish with a 1-over 72.

Michelle McGann, who has racked up six tournament wins over the last 26 months, opened with a 6-under-par 66 to take a one-stroke lead in the LPGA Rochester International at Rochester, N.Y.

Clarkston’s Robin Walton shot a 73.