Ernie in high spirits after Nissan Open

Pacific Palisades - Ernie Els was in upbeat mood after tying for third at the Nissan Open on Sunday in his first PGA Tour appearance of the year.

The big-hitting South African stormed into contention with four birdies in the first seven holes on his way to a four-under-par 67 at Riviera Country Club.

Although he dropped three shots over the closing stretch, he collected his seventh birdie at the par-five 17th to finish three strokes outside the playoff, which was won by Charles Howell III.

"This is my first tournament back and it was quite a big week for me," Els told reporters after sharing third place at 13-under 271 with Australia's Robert Allenby (68) and world number two Jim Furyk (67).

"I wanted to get off to a good start, get myself into the swing of things, and I think I did that.

"I was really good at times and, then when I missed it, I was pretty bad. I got the ball up and down numerous times. Overall, I think I was pretty good the way I hit it this week."

Champion at Riviera in 1999, Els mounted his title charge with three birdies in the first three holes.

"I had a great front nine," he said. "Then I had a little putt on nine to go to five under, missed that."

Although he hit a delicate chip at the par-four 10th to set up his fifth birdie and close to within a shot of overnight leader Phil Mickelson, he faded over the closing stretch.

"I hit a couple of loose ones on the back nine," Els said.

"I pulled my second on 13 down the hill and made five there. I birdied the next and played an awful 15th hole. I blocked my tee shot and my second shot, and the same at 16.

"Those three shots probably cost me, but I fought well all week. Yesterday was the most comfortable I felt," he added, referring to his third-round 67.

"I played a good tournament."