Max Orrin was happy with his performance after he produced an opening 67 to sit one shot off the lead on day one of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Orrin, who earned his European Tour card at Qualifying School last month, could have joined overnight co-leaders Charl Schwartzel and Paul Dunne at the top of the leaderboard had he not dropped his only shot of the day at the last.
The Englishman reached the turn in 33 after making gains at the second and sixth holes at Leopard Creek Country Club.
And after picking up another shot at the long 13th, Orrin fired an eagle at the 15th to take a share of the lead.
I’m very happy with a good day’s work - Max Orrin
The 22 year old took sole possession of the lead when he tapped in for another birdie at the 17th, having come within inches of holing his approach shot.
But he dropped his only shot of the day at the 18th to close his round in 67 shots, and with Dunne and defending champion Schwartzel posting rounds of 66, Orrin slipped into a share of third place.
"It was a bit scrappy early doors," said Orrin. "But I managed to hang in there and played some really good shots towards the end which jumped me up the leaderboard quite a bit - around 14, 15, 16 and 17.
"I dropped one - which was a bit silly - at the last but I’m very happy with a good day’s work."
Scotland's Scott Jamieson was also among the large group on five under after carding an eagle, seven birdies and four bogeys on Thursday.
Jamieson said: "I haven't played any tournaments for five weeks so you're always a little unsure of what you're going to get.
"The Scottish winters don't offer much golf so I'm delighted with that - it was a good start."
