Reitan makes dream debut swing at Nedbank Golf Challenge

Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan opened his campaign at the Gary Player Country Club in stellar fashion. With ten birdies on Thursday, he undoubtedly is the man to beat at 9 under par (63). A score that is 1 shy of the course record (62).

The 27-year-old went around the first nine in 31 blows, then consolidated his debut with a remarkable 32 shots in the back nine.

He was particularly delighted with his game management off the tee.

"It was a great day very happy with the way I played. Off the tee, towards the greens, I was happy, a couple of wedge shots that were very good. It was nice to see myself rolling the putter quite well, very pleasing."

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While it's his first appearance at the Million Dollar, he has competed on South African soil before in other tournaments, where he struggled.

This time, he wants to go all the way.

"I hope that I can change that this week. I am playing better overall right now than when I was in South Africa previously, hoping that counts for something."

With the new DP World Tour season underway, he competed in 34 events last season and is already on track in the new campaign, where he believes fatigue won't affect him as the year comes to a close.

"It is hard to stay on it with the intensity levels, all the days kind of blend into one…it has been a good year regardless."

Our very own local contingent stepped up to the challenge on a day where Shaun Norris and Garrick Higgo inspired the charge with an opening 68 at 4 under par.

"It was a good day, especially the start, going around the turn was not as good as I would like, but my putter kept me in it," said Higgo.

Higgo, a two-time PGA Tour winner who also lost his card on the American Tour, regained it after a win at the Corales Puntacana Championship in April.

With a bogey-free opening, he believes he is in with a chance.

"I will take a lot of confidence into the next three days, but for now, it is great."

The Nedbank Golf Challenge is notorious for tricky weather conditions, and the next days will make the track even more intimidating, even for seasoned campaigners.

Written by Lennox Wasara