Nedbank Golf Challenge - Day one digest

Everything you need to know from the opening round at Gary Player Country Club.

Max Homa made a stunning start to his title defence while the home stars shone brightly on day one of the 2025 Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Here is everything you need to know from the opening round at Gary Player Country Club.

History repeats itself for Homa

World Number 35 Homa secured a memorable four-shot victory when he made his Nedbank Golf Challenge debut last November. And the American picked up where he left off as he started his title defence on Thursday, flying out of the traps with three straight birdies before finishing with back-to-back gains to lead by one shot.

Home favourites impress

South Africa's stars put on a show for their adoring fans on day one, with Christiaan Bezuidenhout chipping in from just off the green at the first...

And Aldrich Potgieter producing this remarkable recovery at the ninth to save par after dunking his second shot into the water...

Pain-free Strydom shines

Another home player to catch the eye was Ockie Strydom, who overcame recent injury issues to shoot a superb 67. Starting from the tenth tee, the two-time DP World Tour winner turned in 34 after mixing one eagle with a birdie and a bogey on his front nine. He then made three birdies down the stretch to set the early clubhouse target at five under par before being leapfrogged by Homa late on. Strydom said: "Overall I'm very happy. I've been struggling with a couple of injuries and all that stuff so I'm happy to be pain-free at the moment. But to be out there competing again is very pleasant for me at the moment."

Wonderful wildlife

One thing is for certain when the DP World Tour visits South Africa - world-class golf isn't the only thing the camera crew will be filming. As well as plenty of birdies and eagles, some elephants made an appearance on day one.

McKibbin throws dart

Tom McKibbin could hardly have been any closer with this stunning approach at the second hole. What a shot...