Big Easy does it.. Els after hat-trick

ERNIE ELS is dreaming of a hat-trick of Open triumphs after an opening 68.

The Big Easy (left) is a four-time Major champ and twice an Open champ, winning at Muirfield in 2002 and Lytham in 2012.

Els has since slipped to 417 in

the world rankings following a back problem.

But the 47-year-old he believes his experience can help him navigate Royal Birkdale’s testing links. Quizzed if he was dreaming of another Claret Jug, Els, competing in his 99th Major,

replied: “Absolutely. I have won it so I don’t have all that Major pressure on me like some of the other guys.

“If I am there Sunday I would love to have another go.

“I can come to links courses and compete.”