Clark steered his way to a four-under-par 68 at the Modderfontein Golf Club to equal John McClean, Michael Scholz and Jacques de Villiers in pole position at three under 141.
Meanwhile, Otto van Greunen fired an impressive 70 to finish one shot shy of the front-runners alongside Werner Van Niekerk (71), Herman Minnie (70) and amateur Calvin Caldeira, who carded a 71.
The Sunshine Tour regular admits that he enjoys featuring in the IGT Tour in order to help give him that competitive streak.
“I have a card for the Big Easy Tour, but because I work fulltime at The ProShop in Woodmead, I can’t get away all that often to compete,” the 28-year-old said.
“I don’t have the funds to compete fulltime to get my card back, so until that happens, I keep my hand in it on the IGT Tour.
“I am far too competitive for social golf, so the IGT Tour gives me the environment I crave to stay competitive and keep my game in shape.”
