Retief Goosen continued his good form from last week’s Africa Open to move into an early lead at the Joburg Open.
Playing the West Course at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, the two-time US Open winner turned in a five under par 31.
After finishing third last week at East London, Goosen stepped up his hunt for a first European Tour title in five years by opening with a hattrick of gains.
Further birdies followed at the eighth and ninth to leave the 42 year old one ahead of compatriots Shaun Norris and Ulrich Van Den Berg, Spain’s Carlos Del Moral, England’s rising star Tommy Fleetwood, Scotland’s George Murray and Swedes Peter Hedblom and Joel Sjöholm.
Of those leading the pursuit of Goosen, all except Van Den Berg were playing the West Course, with the South African the leading player on the East Course – the field ply both courses over the opening 36 holes.
