Darren Clarke is one of seven Irish players competing in the Dimension Data Pro-Am in South Africa this week and as defending champion the Dungannon golfer has much ground to make up after the first day.
The world number 12 could only manage a one-over par 73 and trails the leading trio, England’s Graeme Storm, Scotland’s Scott Drummond and South African Andrew McLardy, by seven shots on the on the Gary Player Country Club course.
Paul McGinley was the only other Irishman playing the same course as Clarke today and the 34-year-old was faring a little better. One bogey, one birdie and the rest pars left the Dubliner on level with three holes remaining.
The event, which is part of the South African Sunshine Tour, is played over two courses in Sun City. Considering his form of late, its hardly surprising to find Retief Goosen with a four shot cushion at the second venue, the Lost City Golf Club.
Fresh from his win at the Johnnie Walker last week, Goosen stormed ahead of the field with an opening nine-under 63. The US Open is chased by Gareth Davies in second after the Englishman shot a 67 today.
It seems no course can contain the awesome form of Goosen these days and today was no different. The 32-year-old played a flawless round where five birdies complimented eagle three’s at the fourth and 11th.
The presence of Paddy Gribben’s name in a chasing pack on four-under will be a welcome sight for Irish supporters. Five birdies with a solitary bogey at the 15th secured a 68 for the Warrenpoint professional who shares third with four others.
Ciaran McMonagle was also giving a good account of himself at the Lost City course. The 25-year-old who hails from Donegal finished on two-under 70, seven adrift of Goosen’s lead.
Elsewhere David Higgins was unable to break par nearing completion of his round. He was level with six to play having started on the back nine. Three birdies were marred by a double-bogey at the 13th followed by a bogey at the 15th.
With two double-boegeys on the card, ninth and 12th, Peter Lawrie had to settle for a four-over 76.
The first two rounds of the tournament are played over both courses before the weekend qualifiers complete the event at the Gary Player course.