PRETORIA: Justin Harding came up with a stunning seven-under-par 63 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the Tshwane Open on the European Tour on Thursday.
South African Harding had eight birdies including five after the turn as he came home in 30. His only blip was a bogey at the par-four fourth hole and he sits a shot clear of fellow South African Anthony Michael.
"I have been struggling the last couple of events so it's a confidence boost. I felt like I hit it quite nicely," Harding, who has missed his first three cuts this season on the European Tour, told www.europeantour.com.
Michael would have been in a share of the lead after carding his seventh birdie of the day at the 17th, but a bogey five at the last left him one shot behind on six under.
Home players dominated the leaderboard, with qualifier Theunis Spangenberg another shot back in third following a 65 at the Pretoria Country Club in Waterkloof.
Jaco Van Zyl shot 66 and Merrick Bremner shot 67 but they bucked the trend as only 22 players went under par despite the serene conditions.
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