JOHANNESBURG - The younger brother of 2017 US Open champion Brooks Koepka, Chase, grabbed the clubhouse lead early in the first round of the 2018 BMW SA Open at Glendower on Thursday.
Koepka shot a seven-under-par 65 to lead by one around lunchtime Thursday. Two bogeys – on the 1st and 10th holes, both par-fours - blighted an excellent round that included an eagle at the par-five second and seven birdies.
In second spot on his own was England’s Chris Paisley after he registered seven birdies and a bogey for a score of 66, six-under-par.
Two shots off the lead was Scotland’s Bradley Neil after a 67 and a further shot back was a big group of players including super-talented South African rookies Garrick Higgo and Kyle McClatchie – both amateurs who accepted invites to play at Glendower this week.
“It was great. I played flawless golf, except for the second shot on the first hole,” said Koepka. “After the eagle on the second I just sort of kept going.
“The greens are quick and tough to read ... so it’s very challenging. You’ve got to stay patient.”
In the afternoon field are fan favourites Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel, who teed off at midday.