England’s Matt Ford was making an ideal start to his rookie European Tour campaign as the Alfred Dunhill Championship began at Leopard Creek Country Club.
The Englishman, who would have spent the winter working as a postman had he not successfully negotiated Qualifying School in November, raced to six under par through 12 holes in South Africa to lead the second event of the 2015 Race to Dubai.
With the limited field at last week’s Nedbank Challenge, this is the first chance for those who came through Qualifying School and The Challenge Tour last term to make their mark.
And despite a bogey at the 13th, 36 year old Ford remained in a share of the lead on five under par.
He was alongside South African Jake Roos, who began the day with an eagle two at the tenth, and Ireland’s Peter Lawrie.
Lawrie lost his card during a frustrating campaign last year, but having been handed an invitation had the chance to secure an immediate return to The European Tour with victory.
Home favourite Louis Oosthuizen was three under through 12 holes, while his compatriot and fellow Major Champion Charl Schwartzel was among the afternoon starters alongside last week’s winner Danny Willett.
