South Africa’s Trevor Fisher Jnr shot an impressive six-under par 66 early on Thursday to lead the South African Open at Glendower by one stroke around lunch-time.
After going off at the 10th tee at 6.40am, Fisher bogey his second hole of the day – the 11th – but then racked up six birdies in seven holes to turn in 31. He came home in 35 with a solitary birdie at the first to be out in front in the early stages of the first round.
Just a shot back was fellow South African Thomas Aiken, who also went off the 10th but found no luck or form on his first nine holes, turning at level par without a birdie or bogey, but he was scintillating on his second nine, scoring birdies at one, five, six, seven, eight and nine.
“It was a nice way to finish my round,” said Aiken.
“The crowds were fantastic this morning and I can’t complain about the way I finished. I hit those irons pretty close.”
Lurking at five-under par as well was hot favourite Rory McIlroy, who also went off on the 10th. He started slowly but finished his front nine strongly, making birdies 14 through 17 and three more at the second, sixth and eighth holes. He, however dropped shots at four and five after poor approach shots.
McIlroy was followed around the Glendower layout by one of the biggest galleries seen in local golf. They were thrilled with some exceptional ball striking by the world No 2, who’s putting at times was also red-hot.
Defending champion, Brandon Stone, playing alongside McIlroy, struggled throughout his round, signing for a 74. He made just two birdies all day.
Dean Burmester was also well positioned with after firing a 67 to also be at five-under. George Coetzee would have been happy with a two-under 70, while Ernie Els, the host this week, shot a 74.