Harding leads Tshwane Open after first round

Saturday, 13 February 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

golf-feb2 Reuters: PRETORIA: South Africa’s Justin Harding birdied five of his final eight holes to surge to the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the European Tour’s Tshwane Open on Thursday.

Harding, who missed the cut in his previous two European Tour tournaments in 2016, carded a seven under-par 63 and is one shot ahead of compatriot Michael Anthony (64).

Home golfer Thesis Spangenberg, who only came through the qualifying tournament on Tuesday to take his place in the field, continued that form with a five under-par 65, despite a double-bogey on the 10th hole.

South African Open champion Brandon Stone carded a disappointing one over-par 71, but at least took bragging rights in his family after father Kevin was four shots worse off following his opening round.

It is not the first time the Stones have gone head-to-head on the European Tour, they also played in the Joburg Open last season.