Andy Sullivan signed for a flawless 8-under 64 to take a one-shot lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek CC.
“It’s important to get off to a good start because you know at the weekend it’s going to get tougher and tougher,” said Sullivan.
“This place generally doesn’t get easier so getting off to a good start’s nice, gives you that little bit of a buffer, but you know you’re in for a serious grind over the next couple of days.
“I’ve been putting well. I putted well all of last year and the putting was really good today – saved me a couple of times and I holed some good birdie putts.
“But I felt like the greens suit me so I’ve just got to keep the long game going.”
Sullivan has played well in South Africa in the past with his first two DP World Tour titles won there in 2015 and a T14 finish at last week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge.
“Obviously coming back to South Africa is a feel-good factor, winning my first event down here.
“I always get a good following and support, always feel comfortable and am always enjoying myself so generally play decent golf.”
Fellow Englishman Alex Fitzpatrick made two bogeys and carded a 65 for a share of second place at 7-under alongside Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult who made just one bogey.
Also tied in second place is South African Casey Jarvis whose colourful round featured two eagles at the par-4 6th and par-5 13th as well as seven birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey at the par-4 11th.
England’s Nathan Kimsey and John Parry, both bogey-free, are part of a six-way tie for fifth place at 5-under.
