The former Bloemfontein pro started the major with a round of one-under-par 69 for a share of 16th.

Burmester sunk three birdies in his round, but also saw bogeys on the 17th and 18th.

The next best South Africans in the field are Justin Harding, Charl Schwartzel and Shaun Norris, who are in a share for 38th on one-over-par 71.

Harding will long remember his approach on the par four 7th when the nailed an eagle with a 181 yard second shot.

Meanwhile, the four-time major champion, Rory McIlroy, started his campaign for a send time with a solid five-under-par 65 for a one stroke lead.

Rory McIlroy is happy with his form at the major.

“It was a great start to the tournament,” said McIlroy.

“I think when your game is feeling like that it’s just a matter of going out there and really sticking to your game plan, executing as well as you possibly can, and just sort of staying in your own little world.

“I was just happy with... when you get off to a good start like that, sometimes you can maybe start to be a little careful or start to give yourself a little more margin for error, but I stuck to my game plan.”

The American duo of Tom Hoge and Will Zalatoris are on four-under for a share of second.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport