Schwartzel who is the four-time champion at the event carded an opening round of six under par 66 for a share of the lead with Ireland’s Paul Dunne.

The 2011 Masters champion, Schwartzel, sunk just a single birdie on the front nine however fared a lot better after the turn.

Schwartzel birdied the 10th, 11th, 13th, 15th and the 18th to stay on course for a record fifth title.

The player says he was happy with his round on a day when par putts were almost more important than birdie putts.

“I won’t say off but every shot I hit didn’t quite finish as planned.

“I made a good par put on one and it helps, I made a good par put on seven and those putts are sometimes more important than birdie putts.

“The game was feeling good but it was just a matter of getting the execution I was looking for and on the back nine it came together quite nicely so it was nice start.”

Brandon Stone and Jean Hugo are a further shot back on 5 under par along with Max Orrin, Scott Jamieson, Pablo Larrazabal and Alexander Bjork.

Bloemfontein’s Dean Burmester as well as Colin Nel, Justin Harding, Jaco Ahlers, Richard Sterne and Dylan Frittelli are all on four under par for a share of 9th.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport