Damien McGrane defied the skeptics to shoot an eight-under par 63 on the opening day of weather affected Joburg Open in South Africa.

The Irishman recorded seven birdies and a 16th hole eagle but could have ended with a 62, and a career-best score, had it not been for a bogey at the par four 18th at altitude on the par 71 West Course of the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club course.

Damien McGrane shoots a career equallying best of 63 on day one of Joburg Open. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Nevertheless, his 63 was McGrane’s lowest-ever starting round and one better than a 64 he shot most recently in 2o10 on the first day of the Estoril Open de Portugal.

Only twice before has McGrane a 63 and that was in Hong Kong on the third day of the 2005 UBS Hong Kong Open and then on the final day of the same event in 2010. 

McGrane is competing in South Africa for a second week running but it has been a despairing period for a golfer so long known for his consistency.

McGrane not only missed the cut in last week’s Africa Open at East London but he had missed the cut in last four events of his 2011 season to only just managed to retain 2012 automatica tour membership by finishing 115th among the top-118 qualifiers.