The decision was great news for Scott Stallings, who made a quadruple-bogey 8 on the third hole and already was 7-over par after four holes.

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But on 16 a wayward tee shot resulted in his third bogey of the day.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Els closes on title

Phil Mickelson recovered from a double-bogey six at the third hole to also post a 69, leaving him one shot adrift of McDowell and tied for third with compatriot Steve Stricker (69).

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