Blood spilt as Els says he put 'jinx' on famous group

Star-studded threesome struggles around Royal Liverpool course

Ernie Els left a spectator bloodied with a wild opening tee shot, defending champion Phil Mickelson went out of bounds and Bubba Watson's promising start was blown away at the British Open on Thursday.

One of the most eye-catching groups of the tournament's first round had a wretched day, carding a cumulative 13 over par to leave their chances of challenging for the Claret Jug hanging in the balance.