James Sugrue had another good start to a tournament when he shot a 5 under par round on the first day of the Southern African Amateur Strokeplay.  Although an opening birdie was followed by a bogey, Sugrue was back in the red on -3 at the turn. He added another three birdies on the second nine but a bogey on his final hole meant that he signed for 5 under to finish best of the Irish in fourth place. That score leaves him just one shot off the lead which is held by three golfers.

Rob Brazill was the next best of the Irish, finishing the top ten. He had a memorable ace on the par three 16th, but unfortunately for Rob he had a triple bogey 8 on the next hole.  Ronan Mullarney, Mark Power and Conor Purcell are all inside the top 20 and well placed going into the second round.  The Irish squad of nine have been in South Africa for over a week now, combining a winter training camp along with the South African matchplay and strokeplay championships.  National Coach Neil Manchip and Irish Captain John Carroll are with the team, as they plan for the busy season ahead.

Play in De Zalre Golf Club in Stellenbosch continues tomorrow