Damien McGrane and Jamie Elson lead Joburg Open at the end of first round
Damien McGrane of Ireland shot a superb eight-under 63 to finish on top of the leaderboard after the first round of the European Tour's Joburg Open.
McGrane started his first round at the west course of the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club by draining five birdies on the front nine. That was not the end of his great first round.
He again carded two back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th holes, followed by a spectacular eagle on the 15th.
A bogey on the last hole did not hurt him much because he had already earned so much to cover up that bogey in advance.
“I am delighted to be in a good position after round one,” said McGrane. “I stacked up a few birdies during the round, but that eagle really turned my round”.
“I played beautifully from start to finish, and this course does give up opportunities. I hit plenty of fairways and holed a few nice putts for birdie; it was just the bogey at the last which was disappointing. Apart from that it was a perfect round of golf,”
he added.
McGrane was joined by Jamie Elson at eight-under 63 after the first round. Elson too had an impressive start with four birdies in a row.
It was then followed by two more birdies on the sixth and ninth holes. Therefore, he had six-under score on the front nine.
While starting the back nine, a couple of back-to-back bogeys on the 10th and 11th spoiled his score. However, he bounced back strongly with four more birdies on the last six holes.
Due to unfavourable weather conditions, the round had to be delayed for hours. Therefore, many players had to resume their first round on the second day.
On the third position, there was a five-way tie between Desvonde Botes, Peter Karmis, Craig Lee, Scott Pinckney, Robert Rock and Reinier Saxton.
Botes and Rock were the only players from the East Course to place themselves in the top 15. Overall, the first round was dominated by the players who displayed their game on the West course.
Defending champion, Charl Schwartzel, was tied for 104th position, as he carded a par 72 on the East Course.
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