Branden Grace set the early pace at the Joburg Open after a blistering eight under par 63 in the opening round put him two shots clear midway through the first day.
The 22 year old South African recorded six birdies and an eagle in his bogey-free round on the West Course at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club - a start that enabled him to sit comfortably ahead of the chasing pack.
Welshman Stuart Manley was next best on six under, alongside Dutchman Floris de Vries and South Africa’s PH McIntyre.
Qualifying School graduate Manley, who had football trials at Manchester United as a youngster, had four birdies in his first six holes.
His good progress continued, until he missed a ten foot par putt at the last for his first dropped shot of the day, missing the chance to finish only one behind in the process.
De Vries mixed eight birdies with two bogeys in his 65, with the leading trio all playing on the easier West Course.
The field play both courses over the first two days before action reverts to the more difficult East Course for the weekend.
Going best on the East Course was Thomas Aiken, who was six under through 14 holes.
Grace was thrilled with his effort, saying: "I thought beforehand that one of the keys was to go low on the West and fortunately I managed to do it today.
"I played really well, I didn’t make any mistakes out there and everything went to plan, so I'm pretty pleased with that."
