Clarke suffers in opening round at SA

Darren Clarke was one of the few big-name players to suffer in the opening round of the South African Open in Paarl today after his five bogeys and three birdies through 15 holes left him at two over par.

England's Ross McGowan was the clubhouse leader early on the day, carding a faultless round of six-under-par 66 at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates for a share of top spot with Rory Sabbatini and Keith Horne, who had three holes each still to play.

McGowan’s fellow countryman Simon Dyson had also completed his round and was a further stroke back on five under alongside Michael Lorenzo-Vera – the Frenchman still having three holes to play.

Four-time champion Ernie Els and two-time champions Tim Clark joined a host of players still out on the course at four under par, with world number eight Henrik Stenson and England’s Justin Rose two shots back with two to play.

However, the morning belonged to McGowan with four birdies and an eagle on the par-five fifth helping him to an impressive bogey-free opening round.

And he admitted afterward that he was pleased with his effort at the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event, especially after missing the cut in 2007.

“Last year I got caught up by the wind on the Thursday morning. I shot an 82 then and I guess this has evened it out nicely,” said McGowan, who played the back nine first on day one.

“I started off with seven pars but then picked up nicely. It (the eagle on the fifth) was a nice turning point that lifted me up the leaderboard quite quickly.”

The 26-year-old also feels that his lead will not last with the weather conditions improving through the day.

He added: “It was quite windy first thing this morning, but I think it blew itself out. It’s pretty calm out there now and pretty hot.

“I doubt this score will stand, looking at the way the winds died down. The course will probably firm up a bit later on and a few of the guys will be having lots of wedges into holes, so I have a feeling seven or eight under will probably be leading at the end of the day.”