HEREFORD'S David Park maintained his good early season form when he finished four strokes behind the leaders on two under par after the first round of the Dunhill Championship in Johannesburg.
It could have been a lot better for the Burghill Valley professional but for a double bogey five at the par three fifteenth in a round which contained five birdies.
Worcestershire Jeremy Robinson had a disappointing first day, however. The Evesham player finished on three over par and faces a battle today to beat the cut after a round riddled with five bogeys.
Park, who finished joint fifth in the Bells South African Open which finished last weekend, trails Ireland's Paul McGinley and Wales' Stephen Dodd on six under, with seven players one shot behind the leaders.
"I'm surprised but pleased," McGinley said. "I scored well but did not play particularly well and that's what surprised me, the way I was able to get it round.
"The rough is patchy and you can be lucky or unlucky. I hit it up the right on the ninth on the same line as playing partner Tim Clark, he had a horrendous lie and I was perfect.
"I got a few good breaks, I always seemed to have a shot out of the rough, and overall I'm very pleased.
"I needed a break. Last year took a lot out of me. I was really tired, not physically but mentally. I needed to get away from the game and that's what I did. I've always."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article