KURHULENI, South Africa — Home favorite Jbe Kruger birdied four of his final seven holes Thursday as he shared a one-shot lead with Englishman Andy Sullivan after the first round of the South African Open. Sullivan, chasing his first EPGA victory at the Glendower Golf Club, shook off a front nine double bogey to nail three straight birdies and an eagle on the way to a six-under par round of 66 and top spot with South Africa's Kruger.
Veteran Ernie Els, who is hosting the tournament in his native city of Ekurhuleni, enjoyed a fine start to his campaign as the 45-year-old carded a five-under par 67 to initially take the clubhouse lead.
Els eventually settled for a share of second with Denmark's Lasse Jensen and 2009 champion Richard Sterne of South Africa, one shot back.
After an early bogey, four-time Major winner Els struck back with six birdies as he looks to recover from a barren season in 2014 when he failed to win a tournament or finish in the top three.
“That was nice,” said Els. “I was a little nervous here and there, but it was so nice to play Glendower in front of my home crowd.”
“We have had a nice start now and I want to keep it up, get better on the greens a little more and see where we end up.”
Four players are locked on four under, and two adrift, including 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel, his South African compatriot Colin Nel, Scotland's David Drysdale and Spaniard Jordi Garcia Pinto. — Agencies
