Hoey digs out early advantage

Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey set about taming the longest course in European Tour history as the Tshwane Open began at Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate.

The five-time European Tour winner was five under through eight holes – his birdies coming in a streak from the 13th.

Five of the seven European Tour events on South African soil have been won by players from the home country this season, and Christiaan Basson, Heinrich Bruiners and Jared Harvey were in the group tied for second on three under during the early stages.

Dane Lucas Bjerregaard, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and English trio Ross Fisher David Howell and Anthony Wall were on the same mark at the 7,964-yard course, whose 685-yard fourth hole was the longest on The European Tour.