Ernie Els opened the first senior major championship of the year with a four-under-par 68 to be in a share of 10th after the first round of the Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Big Easy made a fast start from the 10th hole, with birdies on 13, 14, 5 and 18 propelling him to the turn in four-under 32. But two bogeys after the turn on one and three slowed his progress. He regained those dropped shots with birdies on five and six, but he was unable to make any more headway.

He was five strokes behind the first-round leader, Richard Green of Australia, whose nine-under 63 included an eagle, eight birdies and a bogey. Green led by two from Steven Alker of New Zealand, Charlie Wi of Korea, and Americans Jerry Kelly and Stewart Cink.

Alex Cejka of Germany was alone in sixth on six-under, with three players in a share of seventh on five-under, one ahead of Els and six others.

Retief Goosen carded an opening one-over 73 for a share of 51st.