Swede Joakim Lagergren has carded a faultless seven under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead after the primary spherical of the South African Open Championship on the Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Property in Johannesburg.
The 32-year-old is chasing a primary win on the European tour since 2018 on the Gary Participant-designed 8233-yard course, which holds the document for being the longest on the tour.
He began his spherical on the tenth gap on Thursday and carded 4 birdies in his first 9, earlier than selecting up an extra three after the flip to complete one shot forward of South Africa’s Casey Jarvis (66).
Jarvis, who additionally carded seven birdies however had a bogey on the par-four sixteenth, was the early chief within the clubhouse earlier than Lagergren overtook him late within the day.
Jarvis admits the size of the course makes it a giant problem for many who aren’t as explosive off the tee.
“I performed actually properly and I am completely satisfied the place my sport is at. It’s a lengthy course so I attempted to step on just a few drives on the market,” Jarvis mentioned.
“I do not hit the ball so far as a few of the different guys out right here and it’s a lengthy stroll, so it’s a bit mentally difficult. You simply have to remain affected person.”
There are a trio of gamers two pictures behind Lagergren, together with England’s Andy Sullivan and residential golfers Javan Rebula and Louis de Jager, who all carded 67s.