MALELAN, South Africa – Dean Burmester made six birdies on the back nine to finish 7-under 65 to take a one-shot lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Thursday.
The 33-year-old South African, seeking his third European Tour title, managed just two birdies and one bogey midway through the opening round at Leopard Creek.
“What a back nine, the best I’ve played in a while so I’m happy to do that,” said Burmester, ranked 58th.
Lucas Nemez is one shot back after starting the round with three consecutive birdies. The Austrian added four more birdies and a bogey in his 66.
Deon Germishuys finished eagle-5 on the 18th to join South Africans Darren Fichardt, Brandon Grace and Jaco Ahlers in a tie for third with France’s David Ravetto.
Four-time winner Charles Schwartzel’s 74 included a four-bogey on the 18th.
The former Masters champion tweeted: “Took a wrong drop on 18 today… It was an honest mistake, head was a bit cloudy and he didn’t think about it.” I only realized when I got home. Lucky for me the rules are a bit more lenient. It used to be a DQ but I got a 2 shot penalty instead. +2 starting tomorrow.”
