Scott Jamieson ignited hopes of second South African victory some four years after the first in superby mastering the tough conditions for a share of second on day one of the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City.
Jamieson, 34 ignored the fact it is his inaugural showing on the third longest course in European Tour history with six birdies in a four-under par 68 in hot but windy weather on the host Gary Player designed course.
Austrian golfing giant Bernd Wiesberger birdied the final hole to snatch a one-stroke lead with a five-under par 67 on day one of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City, South Africa.
Scott Jamieson shoots 68 day one Nedbank Challenge (Photo – European Tour/Gettys)
Wiesberger’s birdie saw him break clear of four players – Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, American Julian Suri, local South African hero, Branden Grace and Jamieson – tied in second with four under par 68s.
Sweden’s and defending champion, Alex Noren had capped his round with an eagle ‘3’ at the 10th but let slip joining those in second place with a 17th hole bogey to settle for a four-way share of sixth with a three-under par 69.
Fortunately, Noren managed to avoid any menacing crocodiles after an errant shot during a pre-tournament practice round came to rest nestled under the jaw of the sleeping giant.
Jamieson returned to South Africa, and where he had captured the rain-shortened 2013 Nelson Mandela Challenge for his only Tour success, lying 75th on the Race to Dubai.
While a second Tour success remains a first priority Jamieson needs to muscle his way inside the top-60 at the end of this week’s $US 7.5m to be assured of contesting next week’s season-finale in Dubai.
Jamieson commenced his round from the 10th and after a bogey at 11 he settled down with birdies at 12, 13 and 17 before a second dropped shot at the 18th.
Then to his credit, Jamieson completed the inward half in three under par with birdies at the first, fourth and ninth holes.
“It was a mixed bag, really and with a few more good ones than bad ones,” he said.
“I didn’t play the par 5s particularly well until the ninth hole, my last hole so that was nice to end my round with a birdie. You always want to be under on the par 5s here when you can reach most of them.
“It is my first time here and I just love the golf course as it is very similar to Leopard Creek where we play the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
“It is visually intimidating on the tee but when you get up there, there’s maybe a little more room than you think. Also, the rough’s as bad this year as what the guys said it was last year so you know, you can still score from the rough.
“So, it’s a good first round. If you play well and you hit some good shots off the tee, you can attack a lot of the flags. But if you’re out of position, then you’ve got to be a little bit more conservative, and if definitely helps being in the fairway.”
Marc Warren is next best of the Scots posting a one-under par 71 and at 56th on the Race to Dubai needing to muscle his way higher up the South African scoreboard.
Borders David Drysdale is a shot further back and fighting back from being three-over par through four holes, that included a double at the par three, fourth, to birdie three of his closing nine in a level par 72.
And current European No. 1 Tommy Fleetwood has his work cut out if he is to extend his Race to Dubai lead over the absent Justin Rose in signing for a no frills one-over par 73.
Other Scots – Richie Ramsay 73, Stephen Gallacher 74.
