South Africa’s Jake Roos and England’s Matt Ford made dream starts to their rookie European Tour campaigns as the Alfred Dunhill Championship began at Leopard Creek Country Club.
Roos took the 15th and last place available on The Race to Dubai via last season’s Challenge Tour, while Ford was set to accept a job as a postman over the winter before he successfully negotiated November’s Qualifying School.
The 34 year old Roos began the day by holing a five iron for an eagle two at the tenth, and birdied the last to claim the clubhouse lead on seven under par.
“I felt comfortable and swung quite nicely,” said Roos, who won in Kenya and Germany on last year’s Challenge Tour.
“I hit a lot of good shots and had a lot of short birdie putts on my front nine, and I was able to take advantage of a couple.
“When I holed that shot on my first hole it was an ice-breaker for me. It got me laughing and relaxed me, so it was a perfect start. It came out right on target and pitched a little short and went in."
Ford was a shot further back as he delivered a six under par 66 in Malelane.
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 on The 2015 Race to Dubai.
Ford did just that with a round which contained eight birdies and two bogeys, with a 30 foot putt at the 16th among the highlights.
“I’m very happy and it was a dream start to the tournament and my season,” said Ford. “It’s the first time I’ve had my European Tour card, so I’m pleased with how today went.”
Spains Nacho Elvira and South African Michael Hollick were two shots behind the leader, with home favourite Louis Oosthuizen signing for a three under 69 – an exquisite chip to tap-in range at the sixth setting up one of his four birdies.
Former Ryder Cup star Francesco Molinari chipped in at the last to storm home in 31 for a four under 68, while three-time winner Charl Schwartzel and last week’s Nedbank Challenge victor Danny Willett were paired together in the afternoon session.
