Wiesberger Leads the Pack in South Africa

Austrian Bernd Wiesberger posted a 5-under 67 in the opening round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge and will take a one-shot lead into day two at Gary Player Country Club.

On a windy day in Sun City, South Africa, Wiesberger turned at level-par 36, but then made six birdies on the inward nine, including one on the 18th to grab the top spot.

“It wasn’t easy to be honest. It was quite breezy, quite steady direction-wise but still the course is quite tricky off the tees,” said Wiesberger. “You want to get a lot of fairways to be able to attack the flags and that’s quite challenging when there’s gusty winds.”

A group of four players are tied for second at 4-under 68, headlined by native son Branden Grace. The 34-year old South African’s round was highlighted by a chip-in eagle on the par-5 14th.

“Managed to make a few putts, kept hitting the ball great and giving myself chances,” said Grace. “It’s nice to be able to play in South Africa. It’s my first start here this year. I want to make the most out of that one.”

Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and American Julian Suri sit alongside Grace at 4 under.

Defending champion Alex Noren chipped in for eagle on the par-5 10th en route to a 3-under 69.

“I played probably the best I’ve played for a long time. Very steady, a little better off the tee which makes it a lot easier from there on. I’m very pleased,” said Noren.

The Swede is T6 along with South African Charl Schwartzel, England’s Graeme Storm and Japan’s Hideto Tanihara.

A logjam of 12 players are deadlocked at 2-under 70, led by a threesome of popular Englishmen: Matthew Fitzpatrick, Lee Westwood, and Ross Fisher.

HIGHLIGHTS: ROUND ONE

TOP 10: ROUND ONE

1 Bernd Wiesberger -5
T2 Victor Dubuisson -4
T2 Julian Suri -4
T2 Scott Jamieson -4
T2 Branden Grace -4
T6 Graeme Storm -3
T6 Hideto Tanihara -3
T6 Charl Schwartzel -3
T6 Alex Noren -3
T10 Twelve players tied at -2

SHOT OF THE DAY

Defending champion Alex Noren with a chip-in eagle on the par-5 10th.

Defending your title in style. ? pic.twitter.com/Ety4xraZ4j

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 9, 2017

QUOTABLE

“I played all right. I’ve not had great success when I was here last time but I approached it with a neutral mind and I played a lot better than I have the last couple of weeks and putted good. Took a couple of chances so that was nice, to get out there kind of relaxed and just let it happen.”
–Bernd Wiesberger

NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE COVERAGE

Around the Tours: 4 Courses, 4 Countries
Pairings, Tee Times, TV: Nedbank Golf Challenge
Primer: 2017 Nedbank Golf Challenge
Odds To Win: Nedbank Golf Challenge
4 Storylines: Nedbank Golf Challenge

Euro Tour Pros Give Hysterical Golf Tips
4 Gold Rolex Series Bibs in Nedbank Golf Challenge Field
Pro Tip: Avoid the Rough in South Africa
Poulter Enjoys the Perks of Golfing in South Africa

LEADERBOARD: ROUND 1

Credits: European Tour Media, Getty Images