Ernie Els said it had been an "amazing day" after he had thrown away an eight-stroke lead before recovering to win the Heineken Classic by a shot. The 34-year-old said: "It was just all going wrong. It was one bad break after another. It was laughable at nine.
"How I got it back, I will probably know later, when I think about it.
"To score 42 on a front nine with everything going against you and somehow turning it back and hitting good shots, it was an amazing day."
He added: "You're thinking crazy stuff. It was like I had never played this game before on the first nine.
"I went through all the highs and lows. I thought I went through it at Muirfield, but this was something else."
Els survived a nerve-jangling final round in the 2002 Open Championship at Muirfield, before winning his third major title in a four-man playoff.
 |  When I look back on it in another day or two, I'll probably feel good about it. Right now, I'm just happy it's over. |
The world number three had been in imperious form at Royal Melbourne with a sizzling opening round of 60 as well as scores of 66 and 68 before his closing 74.
But Australian Adam Scott clawed his way to a share of the lead after nine holes, and pushed Els all the way with a 67 to finish second.
"It was almost easier in some ways having a fair battle on the back nine with Adam," Els said.
"I had to adjust on the back nine to the emotions going through me and the way the tournament was going. I think I crossed another hurdle today.
"When the chips were down I came back and...I held my nerve there at the end.
"When I look back on it in another day or two, I'll probably feel good about it. Right now, I'm just happy it's over."
MMIX
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