Jonathan Thomson posted an impressive seven under par opening round of 65 at the Limpopo Championship to join Germany’s Freddy Schott, Spanish trio Jordi Garcia, Ivan Cantero Gutierrez and Emilio Cuartero Blanco and home favourite Hennie du Plessis at the top of the leaderboard.
Thomson carded two eagles and four birdies on a low scoring day at Koro Creek Golf Club – where all six of the overnight leaders played their first rounds – and the Englishman was delighted to bounce back from a slow start to move to the summit, before he tees it up at the more challenging Euphoria Golf Club in round two.
“It was really enjoyable out there today,” he said. “I didn’t get off to a fast start, I missed a couple of short putts early doors but I had a great group and we all bounced off each other which was nice. It was a fun morning.
“I don’t think the golf course is as easy as the scoring suggests but you feel as though you have to go low otherwise you are going backwards. There’s a few tough holes in the middle and it’s a beautiful track.
“I’m looking forward to playing Euphoria tomorrow. It’s definitely a tougher challenge than this course but I’m playing great so I am looking forward to it.”
Co-leader Schott maintained his strong start to the 2022 Road to Mallorca and used his distance off the tee to take advantage of the short par-fives at Koro Creek.
“The good finish last week is still in my mind,” he said. “Everything is working out and I’m very happy. I putted well, took advantage of the par fives and overall it was a good round for me.
“I know Euphoria from last year so I am excited to go out and play that course again. It will be a challenge but it definitely gives me a confidence boost after my first round at Koro Creek today.
“These run of events in South Africa have been great for everybody. They have given us the chance to go out, compete and compare yourself against guys you wouldn’t normally come up against.”
Nine players share seventh place on six under par, including Italian Lorenzo Scalise, who fired the best round of the day at Euphoria courtesy of a 66.
The second round of the Limpopo Championship will begin at 7:00am local time, with Thomson teeing it up at 12:10pm alongside du Plessis and South African Jaco Ahlers at Euphoria Golf Club.
