Jordan L Smith continued the encouraging start to his European Tour career as he overcame illness to fire an opening 67 at the BMW SA Open hosted by City of Ekurhuleni.
The 2016 Challenge Tour number one hit the opening tee-shot of the season at the Australian PGA Championship and while he missed the cut on the Gold Coast, he followed that up with a tie for 36th at the UBS Hong Kong Open.
An opening bogey did not provide the best start to 2017 but he followed that with birdies on the second, fifth, seventh and eighth to turn in 33 and while a shot was dropped on the 11th, further birdies followed on the 14th, 15th and 17th.
A 20-foot putt to share the lead then just shaved the cup on the last but it was a positive start for the Englishman, who was enjoying the conditions at high altitude at Glendower Golf Club.
"I actually have been feeling a little under the weather today so to play the way I did and shoot five under was very satisfying," he said.
"The altitude here makes the ball go a lot further and then you look at the temperatures compared to back home as well. The ball is going miles here – it's a lot more fun than playing in minus two conditions back home!
"I really enjoyed the day and playing in front of such a great and big crowd. I came here with a lot of confidence and played very well in practice so it's really a case of keep doing what I have been and see if I can get into contention over the weekend."
Home favourite Thomas Aiken also fired a 67 after a brilliant finish that saw him birdie his closing five holes after turning in 36.
The ball is going miles here – it's a lot more fun than playing in minus two conditions back home! - Jordan L Smith
With World Number Two Rory McIlroy also playing in Gauteng, huge crowds lined the fairways and Aiken was delighted to see his home Open going from strength to strength.
"It's great to make such a good start to our national Open," he said. "I think this is the most important tournament outside the Majors for every South African player and we have a great event this year.
"Ernie (Els) has come on board and along with BMW has done an unbelievable job, especially to get Rory here.
"The crowds were amazing for a Thursday morning. We were trying to put on a show this morning and it wasn't really happening until my last five holes when I had a great finish with five birdies. That makes a big difference."
Fellow South African Jbe Kruger echoed the sentiments of Aiken after he too came home in style, making six birdies in seven holes from the tenth to also sit a shot off the lead.
"Your home Open is the one you want to win – expect for The Open," he said.
"I think this is the best vibe I have ever felt at the SA Open. With Rory here he has really brought the crowd and the players to be honest. There are some really good players here this year and that is the effect he has."
