South Africa’s Martin Vorster, Altin van der Merwe and Tyran Snyders took the early lead in Thursday’s first round of the FNB Eswatini Challenge at the sweeping Ezulwini Golf & Country Club.
The trio each carded a seven-under-par 65 to edge one shot clear of Pieter Moolman and Martin Rohwer, who both opened with 66s.
Vorster, back in action after a challenging 2024 season marked by injury, posted a colourful opening round that featured eight birdies, three bogeys and an eagle to earn the early clubhouse lead.
“Today was an interesting round – a little bit of everything. But I’m really happy with the way I started,” said Vorster.
“I did have a funny moment on the 7th hole. I was under the impression it was a par four, and as I tapped in the putt, my playing partner congratulated me on the birdie.
“All in all, I’m really happy with how I played today, especially after being out for four months last year with a hip injury.”
Van der Merwe, the 2024 Sunshine Tour Fortress Rookie of the Year, was bogey-free on Thursday, reeling off seven birdies in a flawless round to join Vorster at the top of the leaderboard.
Snyders also impressed, carding six birdies and an eagle while dropping just one shot on his way to the top of the board early in his professional career.
All three co-leaders are still in search of a maiden Sunshine Tour title and will face strong competition from their closest pursuers.
Moolman and Rohwer have six Sunshine Tour victories between them – and Rohwer notably won on this course in 2019.
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Photo: Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour
Article Link: Leading SA trio chasing maiden Sunshine Tour titles