Im carded a round of five-under-par 67 to hold a one-stroke lead over Cameron Smith of Australia.

Im started with four birdies on the front nine, but recorded bogies in the 10th and 11th, while he sunk an eagle in the 13th and a birdie on the 15th.

The 2022 champion, Dustin Johnson, of the USA is a further stroke back on three-under-par.

On his return to golf following a serious vehicle accident in February 2021, the five-time champion, Tiger Woods, impressed with a round of one-under-par 71. Woods birdied the 6th, 13th and 16th holes, but bogeyed the par-five 8th and par-four 14th.

Garrick Higgo and the 2011 champion, Charl Schwartzel, are the leading South Africans in the field on level-par 72 for a share of 19th, while Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Erik van Rooyen are on one-over-par 73.

South Africa's leading golfer, Louis Oosthuizen, experienced an opening round he would want to forget. The 2010 Open champion, Oosthuizen, signed his card on four-over-par 76 following bogeys on the 10th, 11th, and 18th. He also scored double-bogeys at the 5th and 12th, while birding the 6th, 13th, and 15th.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport