South Africans dominate the first round of Africa Open
South African golfers dominated the first day of the Africa Open at East London Golf Club on Thursday, January 5.
Thomas Aiken carded a spectacular nine-under 64 and maintained a one-stroke lead over the two-time major winner, Retief Goosen, after the first round completed.
From the beginning, the home favourites South Africans charged and earned the first three spots on the leaderboard. Jaco Ahlers was at the third spot with seven-under 66.
Spanish Open winner, Aiken is now looking forward to recording another win on the European Tour. Prior to the tournament, he looked quite hopeful and said that East London GC is one of his favourite golf courses around the world.
He can be a strong contender for the tournament because of his experience and expertise on the venue golf course.
The East London GC is one of the smallest golf courses around the world. However, the blustery winds can be quite challenging on the golf course.
Nonetheless, all such hindrances failed to leave any impact on Aiken, as he shot a bogey-free round with two eagles and five birdies.
"I was not really expecting to shoot a 64 after two weeks without touching a club. I was among the first three-ball with Retief and (Swede) Peter Hedblom and the scoring conditions were good," Aiken said.
"My round was really enjoyable with good shots and putts. This is not the longest course but it bites if you go wayward. Anything off line is pretty much a reload off the tee,” he continued.
"There are a lot of risk-and-reward holes -- a couple of driveable par fours and tricky par threes -- and I think that a lot of new courses lack that challenge," added Aiken.
Goosen, on the other hand, is also optimistic and a favourite for the tournament. He is confident to repeat the history by winning the tournament as he did in 2009.
He started his first round with a bogey but made a strong comeback with five consecutive birdies from the 11th hole.
He told the reporters that the course is playing really well and he had been practicing on it since November. So, it did not create any difficulties for him.
Overall, the South African players are all eyeing the win and they are no doubt capable of winning it on their home soil.
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