Alfred Dunhill Championship - Day one digest

Everything you need to know from Thursday in Malelane.

Robin Williams leads strong South African challenge, Dale Whitnell enjoys life on and off the course and Cristo Lamprecht drives it miles.

Here is everything you need to know from the opening round at Leopard Creek Country Club.

Williams leads the way

Williams, who has been starring on the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour in recent weeks, rolled in eight birdies and a solitary bogey to sit at the top of the leaderboard at seven under par after round one. He is one clear of Jayden Schaper and Spaniard Manuel Elvira, who both carded seven gains and a dropped shot in their 66s, while six South Africans sit in the top nine after the first round. “It was pretty fun out there, I played pretty well. I took advantage of the par fives and the short holes, and I putted well today,” he said.“It is all a learning curve for me, trying to see what my game needs in order to make cuts and compete with these guys. It is a massive confidence boost. I can always say that I shot 65 around Leopard Creek, I will always have that for the rest of my life. I can sleep happy tonight.”

Best of both worlds

Whitnell was one of the early starters in Malelane as he began with an opening 71, mixing five birdies with four dropped shots. The golf course is spectacular in South Africa, but the wildlife at Kruger National Park is something to behold. These golfers really have an incredible lifestyle.

Lamprecht drive stuns everyone

Local amateur Lamprecht, who won the Silver Medal at the 2023 Open Championship, used his 6ft 8in frame to good use at the par-five 18th on Thursday. The youngester is known for his long driving ability, but that did not stop everyone from looking on in disbelief as he hit his tee-shot a staggering 418 yards.

Bunker heaven at Leopard Creek

Ewen Ferguson produced one of the shots of the first day with this stunning bunker shot at the sixth. Despite another huge sand trap in front of him and a small landing area beneath the pin, the Scot dialled in to within five feet with this beauty.

And home favourite Neil Schietekat went even closer with this at the third...

Wildlife at Leopard Creek

It is not just at Kruger National Park where you can see the array of wildlife in South Africa, you can see it by the course too!