Day one digest: 2020 Alfred Dunhill Championship

Everything you need to know from day one at Leopard Creek Country Club.

History was made on the first day of the 2020 Alfred Dunhill Championship as the European Tour returned to a stunning venue for the second event of the South African Swing.

Here is everything you need to know from day one at Leopard Creek Country Club.

Meronk makes history

Adrian Meronk made European Tour history on Thursday by becoming the first ever Polish player to lead an event at the end of a round. He shot an opening 65 to sit level with fellow European Challenge Tour graduate Robin Roussel at the top of the tree. The 27-year-old fired two eagles, four birdies and a single bogey in the morning to reach seven under par.

Wild time at Leopard Creek

As well as wonderful golf, we're used to seeing some pretty impressive wildlife at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the residents did not disappoint on day one. Leopard Creek sits next to Kruger National Park so some of the sights and animals around the course have to be seen to be believed. Watch this...

Roussel praises caddie after birdie blitz

Frenchman Roussel said he had his caddie's local knowledge to thank for the back nine birdie burst that helped him grab a share of the first round lead. After reaching the turn in 34, Roussel reeled off five consecutive gains from the tenth before closing his round with another birdie to sign for an opening 65 - his lowest ever European Tour round. He was grateful to his caddie Army Nathi Mdluli - a local who knows all about Leopard Creek's greens - for the role he played in his remarkable birdie run. The early starter said: "I'm lucky to have Army on the bag, who is a local so he gets to read the greens pretty well. And he helped a lot. I had quality putts on the tenth, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th. I think without him I wouldn't have been able to put all these in."

Jamieson finishes with a flourish

Afternoon starter Scott Jamieson saved his best for last on day one, ending his first round with four birdies in his last five holes to get within a single shot of the co-leaders. After making three birdies on the front nine, the Scot dropped his only shot of the day on the 12th. But he bounced back with two consecutive gains at the 14th and 15th before repeating the trick on the 17th and 18th to get to six under.

Bland's brilliant start

Richard Bland started his first round from the tenth tee and made very good progress indeed on the front nine, picking up birdies at the 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th to turn in 31. He would go on to make a further birdie on his back nine, but he also carded two bogeys, and went into the clubhouse on five under.