Day one of the Joburg Open Sunshine Tour saw consistent heavy rainfall and lightning from the early morning of March 5.

This led to a delay that compelled organisers to move the first round to the morning of March 6.

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Sunshine Tour’s Michael Vlismas noted: “South Africa’s Jayden Schaper didn’t drop a single shot in heavy rain, despite a suspension of play for lightning.

England’s Nathan Kimsey ran onto the tee with 30 seconds to spare, after making it in as first reserve through a late withdrawal to see them share the clubhouse lead with Germany’s Maximilian Steinlechner on a wild first day of the Joburg Open.”

Vlismas added that Schaper, Kimsey, and Steinlechner performed well with their opening rounds, making six-under-par 64 for a one-stroke clubhouse lead over Wilco Nienaber, Jacob Olesen, Darius van Driel, and Hugo Townsend.

South Africa’s Luke Brown was seven under through 12 holes, and Spain’s Angel Ayora was on six under with three holes to complete when play was called off.

Vlismas added that Jacques Kruyswijk, who lost in a playoff for this title last year, and former Joburg Open champion Richard Sterne, made good starts with their rounds of two-under 68. American Patrick Reed signed for an opening one-under 69.

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City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said this year’s edition of the tournament welcomed over 150 golfers from around the world.

“The city is proud to host the Joburg Open. It is one of the highlight events on our calendar and positions Johannesburg as a premier sporting destination. The Joburg Open attracts interest, as it is broadcasted to millions of viewers worldwide.”

The overall winner is looking at receiving R20.5m, as well as a trophy as the prize.

Visit:  www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/joburg-open-2026/ for the final results.

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