Scot Scott Jamieson gave himself an early birthday treat superbly birdieing four of his closing five holes in a round of 66 on day one of the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa.
Jamieson, who turns 37 on Saturday, grabbed seven birdies to be just a shot off the lead at Leopard Creek in Maleline.
Frenchman Robin Roussel and Poland’s Adrian Meronk lead with co-sanctioned field with seven-under par 65s.
Jamieson’s effort continues a good run of form for the Glaswegian who captured his only Tour win in South Africa eight years ago next fortnight.
Scott Jamieson posts a round of 66 on day one of the 2020 Alfred Dunhill Championship“
“I’m delighted as it was pretty tough out there this afternoon with the wind gusting and firm conditions, so it was a strong finish for a 66 which was perfect,” said Jamieson.
“It was also pretty impressive to birdie four of the last five but this is what this course can offer and there is three reachable par-5s in the last seven holes but then you can also be having a putt for eagle but also walking away with a double-bogey or worse.
“That’s what everyone loves about this place as it does ask the question of you.”
Callum Hill posted a one-under par 71 while a clearly frustrated Scot Robert MacIntyre found the crocodile-infested waters twice in his round of a level par 72.
MacIntyre, and tied with fellow Scots David Drysdale and David Law, began with four pars but in finding the back of the green at the par-3 fifth hole he chipped but only to see his ball run back through the green and into the crocodile-infested water guarding the hole.
The Scot returned to spot of his second shot and chipped only to then two-putt for a triple-bogey ‘6’.
MacIntyre missed a 10-footer for birdie at six before a first birdie in draining a 12-foot curling putt at the par-4 eighth hole.
However, the Oban lefty clearly was not comfortable missing a couple of further birdie putts before finding the Crocodile River that borders the course down the left side of the 13th in taking a bogey ‘6’.
Indeed, all three the group including the South African duo of George Coetzee, who won twice in September, and also 20-year sensation Wilco Nienaber bogeyed the hole and rated the easiest on the course.
MacIntyre finally had something to smile about grabbing birdie on 14 before the shot of his round at the par-5 15th in clearing the water around the green at the longest hole and holing a seven-footer for an eagle ‘3’.
Though one of the most dangerous courses on the planet again jumped-up to bite him after a poor shot into 17 and with MacIntyre ‘verbally’ unhappy that led to a bogey ‘5’ before regaining the shot with a birdie at last for his 72.
MacIntyre said: “I actually played brilliantly today and tee-to-green was the same way I have been playing latelyEURO and not getting myself in trouble.
“I pulled the wrong club at the fifth and just hit it too hard but overall there was only one bad shot all round.
“I fought back well and to finish level par is pleasing.”
Drumoig’s Connor Syme slumped to near tail of the field with a six-over 78.
