Els after 9 at 1st: Putting with 'snakes' in head

playErnie Els had trouble with his putter on the 1st hole of the Masters, shooting a quintuple bogey. (1:30)AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Ernie Els made dubious Masters history in the opening round Thursday, scoring a 9 on the par-4 first hole -- the highest in 80 years of the tournament.

Els, 46, a World Golf Hall of Famer who has won four major championships, 6-putted the first green at Augusta National after chipping from off the green to within 3 feet for what appeared to be an easy par.

It could have been worse.

The Masters live scoring had it listed as a 10 all day until officials conferred, reviewed videotape and determined that Els had taken just 6 putts instead of 7. He finished with an 8-over-par…