It was tight at the top, Ernie Els rolled back the years and Martin Couvra proved there are no pictures on a scorecard.
Everything you need to know from the opening round at Stellenbosch Golf Club.
Tight at the top in Stellenbosch
Alejandro Del Rey, Dean Burmester, Joe Dean and Oliver Lindell could not be separated on a logjammed leaderboard after the first round. Spain's Del Rey set the standard with six birdies and a bogey in his 65 to set the clubhouse target of five under. Englishman Dean registered an identical scorecard to become the third player at the summit after home favourite Burmester, the winner of this event in 2023, picked up seven shots and carded two bogeys. Finland's Lindell had arguably the round of the day in his flawless 65 to make it a four-way tie at the top. Del Rey said: "Very pleased. You've got to be very accurate with your irons. I thought I did very well today and hopefully I keep doing that for the rest of the week."
Pat on the back for Reed
Patrick Reed has been in terrific form as he leads the 2026 Race to Dubai Rankings delivered by DP World following wins at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters over the last five weeks. He did not show any signs of slowing down with these brilliant shots on day one.
Blooming Els
Ernie Els rolled back the years with this magical eagle at the par-five fifth, courtesy of this stunning draw from the tee.
Hoshino feeling chipper
Japan's Rikuya Hoshino dropped a shot at the third, but he hit back immediately at the next with this lovely hole-out.
Simp-ly sensational
Home hopeful Samuel Simpson was chasing the ace at the par-three ninth.
No pictures on a scorecard
They say there are no pictures on a scorecard and Frenchman Martin Couvra proved just that with a tremendous par save at the last.
