Golf
Defending champ Homa leads Africa's Major─── MORGAN PIEK 07:43 Fri, 06 Dec 2024
“It was really tricky with the wind. It threw us for a bit of a loop, but I thought I did a good job adjusting to it. Overall, I played within myself and avoided shots I don’t feel comfortable hitting.”
Defending champion Max Homa of the USA led the charge during the first round of the 2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club.
On Thursday, Homa opened his title defence with a 6-under-par 66, securing a one-stroke lead at Africa's Major. He began his campaign as he ended last year—atop the leaderboard. Homa carded eight birdies in the opening round but recorded bogeys on the 13th and 15th holes.
Ockie Strydom finished the first round as the leading South African with a 5-under-par 67. The 39-year-old South African sank four birdies and an eagle on the 14th hole but followed it with a bogey on the 15th.
Homa expressed satisfaction with his strong start despite challenging wind conditions.
“It was really tricky with the wind. It threw us for a bit of a loop, but I thought I did a good job adjusting to it. Overall, I played within myself and avoided shots I don’t feel comfortable hitting. You can’t fake it off the tee on a course like this—you have to hit good tee shots here.
“I was a little sloppy on the back nine, but I liked the way I was swinging. I’m especially happy with the last two holes because they’re tough, and making birdies there was great. There’s still a long way to go, but it’s cool to see some good golf here.”
Ockie Strydom - Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour
The defending Alfred Dunhill Championship champion, Strydom, in turn, said he was glad to be back on familiar ground, feeling at ease on a challenging course he knows well.
“It’s good to be back home—I love it here. I know this golf course, and it’s looking great. This is Africa’s Major. Every South African dreams of playing here, so just being part of it is special.
“You have to score on the par fives here. The par fours and par threes are tricky, so being four-under on the par fives is decent. Overall, I’ve been struggling with injuries, so to be pain-free and competing again is a pleasure.”
Meanwhile, England's Andy Sullivan and Matthew Jordan, Spain's Pablo Larrazábal, and Denmark's Thorbjørn Olesen share third place at 4-under-par.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
