South African Thriston Lawrence and Angel Hidalgo of Spain had a share of the lead at six-under-par before a thunderstorm suspended play for the day in the first round of the DP World Tour's Joburg Open at the Randpark Country Club on Thursday.

FULL LEADERBOARD

Ireland's Niall Kearney did get into the clubhouse before the weather turned however and he sits five shots off the leaders having carded a fine one-under 70.

Jonatahn Caldwell is level par with two holes to play while Paul Dunne is three-over through 15. Cormac Sharvin is seven-over after his opening 78.

The 23-year-old Hidalgo recovered from a bogey at the first and 15th holes to hit six birdies and an eagle in his round of 65, taking the early clubhouse lead.

Lawrence, who carded two eagles, still has to play the last hole of his opening round after bad weather left several golfers still out on the course.

Englishman Ashley Chesters was on his own in third place after scoring a 66, dropping a shot at the 18th.

It was the opening day of the newly-styled World Tour, previously known as the European Tour, and the start of the new 2022 season.

JC Ritchie made it a day to remember when he aced the 17th. However he missed out on winning the brand new Jaguar that was parked behind the tee because it's not on offer for anyone who manages a hole in one until the weekend. Ritchie is on one-over-par.