Golf

Branden Grace firmly in control in South Africa

Peter Lawrie the best of the Irish quartet on four under

Branden Grace of South Africa tees off at the 10th during the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Championsip at Leopard Creek Country Golf Club in Malelane, South Africa. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Branden Grace of South Africa tees off at the 10th during the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Championsip at Leopard Creek Country Golf Club in Malelane, South Africa. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Thu Dec 11 2014 - 20:29

Branden Grace set a scorching pace on day one of the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa to eclipse a brilliant display by English European Tour rookie Matt Ford.

South African Grace posted a 10-under-par 62 at Leopard Creek Country Club, which gave him a three-shot lead over countryman Jake Roos, with 36-year-old Ford a further shot back.

Grace, who won four European tour events in 2012, was in sparkling form at the Kruger National Park venue.

“I hit the ball superbly from the start to the finish,” Grace told www.europeantour.com

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“I can’t remember the last time I hit 18 greens in a row, which is pretty nice, especially around this place where there are some daunting approaches.

“It’s a good feeling going into the rest of the tournament.”

Ford had been set to take up a job as a postman during the winter, but he successfully came through last month’s European Tour qualifying school and showed his talent through a round of 66 that contained eight birdies and just two bogeys.

“I’m very happy. It was a dream start to the tournament and my season,” Ford said.

“It’s the first time I’ve had my European Tour card, so I am pleased with how today went.”

Three-time Alfred Dunhill Championship winner Charl Schwartzel shot a 69, which was the same score as his fellow South African and Major winner Louis Oosthuizen.

Peter Lawrie is best of the Irish challengers after shooting an opening 68, while Damien McGrane and Michael Hoey fired one-under par 71s and Kevin Phelan was level par.