Ireland’s Paul Dunne shot a six-under-par 66 at the Alfred Dunhill Championship to grab a share of the lead after the opening round in South Africa.
Dunne carded eight birdies and a double bogey on the par-four ninth at Leopard Creek Country Club and was joined at the top of the leaderboard by major winner Charl Schwartzel.
An early birdie blitz saw the Greystones golfer pick up four shots in his first eight holes before his slip-up on the ninth. But the 24-year-old bounced back in style, notching birdies at the 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th.
"For me I feel if I can get the ball in play off the tee, with how my irons are feeling and with how good the greens are, I feel if I drive the ball well I'll give myself loads of chances," Dunne told europeantour.com.
Schwartzel is seeking a remarkable fifth Dunhill title. Victory would see the 32-year-old become only the fourth player to win the same European Tour event five times, joining Bernard Langer, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods in an exclusive club.
The 2011 Masters champion’s South African compatriots Brandon Stone, Jean Hugo and Colin Nel are next best on five under, alongside Sweden’s Alexander Bjork, England’s Max Orrion, Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and Pablo Larrazabal of Spain.
European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke started his 2017 tour season with a disappointing 78 that included a woeful nine at the par-five 18th hole.
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— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 1, 2016
This putt gives @Dunners11 the solo lead at six under. #DunhillChamps pic.twitter.com/zuDvsSKmR9
