Home favourite Dean Burmester was left chasing his rivals despite making a solid opening to the defence of his South African Open title in Durban.
The start of the famous old tournament had been delayed by three hours on Thursday after heavy rain on Tuesday night led to areas of the course in Durban being submerged.
But after an impressive effort from greenkeeping staff saw play get under way at 9:20am local time, morning starters, England’s Sam Bairstow and Sweden’s Fredrik From shot 65s to share the lead with South African Darren Fichardt on seven under par at the end of the day.
Fichardt, who shot seven birdies and no bogeys in his first 14 holes before the suspension, will return to complete his round when play restarts at 8am on Friday.
Burmester was four shots off the lead but made a decent start to the defence of the crown he won two years ago – there was no event last year – with a three-under-par 69, which left him tied for 28th.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/golf/champ-burmester-makes-solid-start-in-south-african-open-c-17875049
