Paul Peterson was among the early leaders as the Joburg Open got under way at a dry Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club on Thursday morning.
Torrential rain had soaked the course through much of the week, leading to the cancellation of Tuesday's Pro-Am, but sterling work from the ground staff meant that the course was in good condition for the start of play.
D+D REAL Czech Masters Champion Peterson was one of five players to jump out to four under early on day one, along with Swede Rikard Karlberg, English duo Aaron Rai and Paul Waring, and South Africa's Teaghan Gauche.
As well as the honour of being crowned Joburg Open champion, there are also three spots available at The Open Championship this week for the top three players in the top ten who are not already exempt.
Peterson was playing the West Course on Thursday and the American made a blistering start with birdies on the first, second, fifth and sixth.
Waring had also completed six holes over on the East Course and he had gains on the first, fourth, fifth and sixth, while countryman Rai had birdies on the first, fifth, sixth and eighth in his first 12.
Karlberg was bogey-free to the turn on the West, picking up shots on the first, second, sixth and ninth, with Gauche making gains on the second, eighth, ninth and tenth in his first 12 holes.
English duo Laurie Canter and Paul Maddy were then both three under after nine holes, with South Africa's Teboho Sefatsa at the same mark after 12.
There was then a large group of players at two under including Brandon Stone and Jordan Smith.
