Pyman makes flying start to 2003

Iain Pyman made a flying start to his 2003 European Tour campaign in the first round of the South African Airways Open.

Pyman missed the first two official counting events for this season’s money list in November and December last year for the more pressing business of his wedding and honeymoon.

But the former amateur champion was making up for lost time in the early stages of the £500,000 (€765,000) event at Erinvale Golf Club in Cape Town.

In the first group on the course, Pyman started with birdies at the 10th and 11th, his opening two holes before a run of three pars.

Further birdies on the 15th and 16th then took him to the turn in four-under 32, at the time tied for the lead with Scotland’s David Drysdale, but he picked up more shots on the second and third to move two shots clear on six under.

Drysdale was also making his score on the back nine and was four under for his first six holes, with Phil Golding – who made a record 16th trip to the qualifying school in November to retain his card – also starting on the 10th and opening with three straight birdies.

Lee Westwood was another to start on the back nine and was three under for seven holes, but dropped shots at the tough 17th and 18th to be out in 35, one under.