South Africans start strong in Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The sun shone on the links of Scotland in Thursday’s first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the South Africans soaked it up.
A group of seven South Africans are lined up behind joint leaders Michael Stewart of Scotland and Jack Buchanan of Australia on seven under par.
Reigning Investec South African Open champion Casey Jarvis had a back-nine run of four birdies and an eagle in succession on his way to a six-under par 66 at Carnoustie.
“Carnoustie is one of my favourite courses in the world. I’ve never played particularly well here in the past but it has still been a real favourite course of mine because the bunkers are so well placed and the course is always in such fantastic condition. There are so many things about this course that are tremendous,” he said.
Countryman MJ Daffue joined him on six under with a 66 of his own at Kingsbarns.
And Hennie du Plessis, Christiaan Burke, Dean Burmester, Brandon Stone and Daniel van Tonder are also well-placed on five under par.
“When the sun shines at St Andrews you have to take advantage,” said Du Plessis. “There is always such a nice spirit at this tournament. From the moment you arrive here you see all the old faces that make it feel like such a fun South African week here in Scotland.”
All are trying to become only the second South African to win this prestigious title following Branden Grace in 2012.
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