Bekker leads a field of greats at Alfred Dunhill
By the end of the Alfred Dunhill Championship's first round, Oliver Bekker was in the lead with six under par.
Yesterday’s calmer afternoon conditions, after a windy morning at the Leopard Creek Country Club near Malalane worked in the favour of Oliver Bekker.
His four birdies in the first five holes on the back nine ensured him a lead over Dimitrios Papadatos of Australia (five under par).
Brandon Stone, the defending champion, ended the day at three under par (69), while Louis Oosthuizen worked hard for his 71 (one under par).
Three former champions – Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel and Ernie Els – all ended the opening day of the tournament at one over par.
READ: Top international golfers compete at Leopard Creek
Golfing fans will be able to see these players and some of the other biggest names in golf in action until Sunday.
The tournament is a co-sanctioned event on the Sunshine Tour and PGA European Tour and features a total of 156 professionals playing 18 holes each day. Players stand a chance to win their share of R23,4 million in prize money.
Louis Oosthuizen is a strong contender for the trophy, following his historic victory in the SA Open in Johannesburg on Sunday. This made him the fourth South African to win both The Open and the SA Open.
Stone is also looking to defend his title as the 2016 winner of the tournament. The event was taken off the schedule last year to enable extensive improvements on the Leopard Creek course. This includes enhancements to the bunkering and certain tee boxes.
Golfers have had the opportunity to test out the course during the official practice rounds from Monday to Wednesday.
Several professionals were also invited to compete in a par 3 challenge on the par 3 course of the National Junior Development Centre at Leopard Creek on Tuesday and Wednesday. The total prize money was R1 million.
Fans will be able to watch the tournament live on SuperSport 1 from 11:30 today until Sunday. Visit www.alfreddunhillchampionship.com for all the broadcast times.
The gates will open at 06:00 for spectators and tickets cost R100 per person for today and tomorrow and R150 for Saturday and Sunday. Pensioners and children under 16 get free admission. Tickets are available at the gate or at ticketpros.co.za. Parking on the estate is included in the ticket price.
Spectators will not be allowed to bring in their own food and drinks, as a variety will be sold on the premises.
People are cautioned to drink enough liquids while on the golf course to avoid dehydration due to the extreme heat and to wear hats and sunscreen to avoid severe sunburn.
