On Thursday, Nienaber took the early clubhouse lead with a superb opening round of eight-under-par-63 on the Firethorne course, along with fellow South African, Shaun Norris.

Nienaber sunk nine birdies, an eagle and registered three bogeys.

The teenager impressed on the 4th with a monstrous drive of 439-yards, and he told OFM Sport that at the time he thought it is not a big deal.

“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal at the time, but it seems to have reached a lot of people’s attention.

“Hitting long help, but like Dean Burmester said the key is to hit the fairways as well.

“I am very happy with my round and looking forward to the rest of the week.”

It is believed that the Grey College old boy has recorded the longest drive on the European Tour this season.

The pair hold a one-stroke lead over Johannes Veerman of the USA and Aaron Cockerill of Canada.

Watch Nienaber's drive on the fourth

@MorganPiek OFM Sport