Everything you need to know from the opening day at St. Francis Links.
Daniel van Tonder and Nick Bachem showed off their short-game skills, while two home favourites set the pace on day one of the 2024 SDC Championship.
Here is everything you need to know from the opening day at St. Francis Links.
Moolman's marvellous start
Pieter Moolman flew out of the traps on Thursday morning, opening his campaign with an eagle at the first before reeling off back-to-back birdies on the second and third. The home hope then took advantage of the par-five sixth to reach five under par after just six holes.
...And big finish
Moolman produced yet more magic at the end of his round, closing with two successive birdies to set the clubhouse target at seven under par. He was joined on that number in the afternoon by fellow South African Shaun Norris, who also finished with back-to-back birdies to sign for a 65.
Van Tonder's brilliant birdie
Finding himself in the rough below the green after three shots at the par-five 16th, Van Tonder stabbed the ball out and watched on as it rolled across the putting surface and fell into the hole for a miracle birdie. Check this out...
Fabulous or fortunate?
We're trying to work out whether German star Bachem meant to do this. What do you reckon?
Brown shines despite late arrival
Englishman Daniel Brown's journey to St. Francis Links wasn't the easiest but he did not let his travel woe affect him as he carded an opening 66 on day one. After making seven birdies and a single bogey to sit one shot off the lead, the 29-year-old revealed he only arrived at the host venue on Wednesday after missing an earlier flight. He said: "I missed my flight on Monday in Frankfurt, stayed overnight in Frankfurt. I tried getting my bags back on Tuesday and then couldn't fly until Tuesday night. So I didn't arrive at the golf course yesterday until about 4.30, then I was straight in the physio room. So it's not been the best preparation but it's a crazy game, isn't it."
Toto Thimba Jnr nearly lands eagle
We nearly saw an extraordinary eagle at the 18th as home hope Toto Thimba Jnr's approach shot danced around the flag before staying above ground. So close...
