Little-known South African Anthony Michael fired a six-under-par 66 to lead the Alfred Dunhill Championship after the opening round.
The 25-year-old leads by one at Leopard Creek from England’s Robert Rock, German Sebastian Buhl, Marius Thorp of Norway and another South African Dawie van der Walt.
The story of the day, though, was that of Michael – a rookie on the tour having turned professional a year ago after quitting his first love baseball.
Reflecting on his round, which contained seven birdies and a solitary dropped shot, he said: “I struggled a bit today off the tees, I hit only three fairways, but from the rough to the greens was good and on the greens was amazing,” he said.
“I came in with a lot of confidence and I had a good feel out there. “I find that I play pretty well under pressure. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always enjoyed the pressure.”
Pre-tournament favourite Charl Schwartzel rescued his round with birdies at the 16th and 18th to return a two-under-par 70, although there was disappointment for Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, whose 76 included two double bogeys in an outward 39.
The 28-year-old is struggling to find his form after picking up an ankle injury shortly after his runaway success at St Andrews in July.
Defending champion Pablo Martin is among six players on three under par at the European Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned event that kicks off the South African swing.
