Joburg Open - Day one digest

Everything you need to know from day one at Houghton GC.

Kimsey got the new season under way, Bradbury shone before the storm and Lawrence made a strong start to his Joburg Open title defence on a day interrupted by the weather.

Here is everything you need to know from day one at Houghton GC.

Kimsey's honour

Nathan Kimsey was playing in his first event since regaining his DP World Tour card by winning the Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca Rankings - and he wasted no time getting into the swing of things as he hit the day's opening shot.

An eagle at the third hole set him on his way to a five-under-par 66 and a share of fifth place.

“It was an honour to hit the first tee shot, effectively kicking off the DP World (Tour) season," he said. "It was great to have that honour and be out there first thing."

Weather plays its part

The DP World Tour is a regular visitor to South Africa with its stunning tracks and beautiful scenery - but the weather can be a bit unpredictable.

Home player Brandon Stone barely waited for the hooter before departing for the second, ultimately terminal, stoppage...

Bradbury's hot streak

They just kept falling for Dan Bradbury on Thursday as he tied the course record with his eight-under-par 63.

Seven birdies and two eagles lit up a card that also included double bogey at 15th and a dropped shot at the short ninth - his last.

This was his eagle at the fifth - his second big bird in three holes:

Defending champion celebrates award in style

Thriston Lawrence's win at this event last season helped him earn the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award, the first South African to win the prize which was announced before the start of play at Houghton GC.

He picked up where he left off with a flawless five-under-par 66 and labelled his round "very pleasing", adding: "Bogey-free, that’s always nice."