Dean Burmester heads into the second round of the HNA Open de France just two back of leader Bradley Dredge after a solid 69 on Thursday.
Burmester roared into the clubhouse with a 31 with two birdies shortly after the turn and two more in his final three holes to set the pace for the 14-strong South African contingent at the third Rolex Series event of the season.
The recent Major debutant gave himself plenty to do on his inward nine after going out in 38 with bogeys at both of the par fives. That form was swiftly arrested with a bogey-free run into the clubhouse as he sits ahead of world No 2 Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry and alongside Thomas Pieters.
Welshman Bradley Dredge is the man to chase down after a 67 to start. Sergio Garcia started +1, Alex Noren +2 and Tommy Fleetwood +3 as Le Golf National showed just how tough it is to tame.
Two-time European Tour winner Dylan Frittelli was SA’s next best after an opening 71 with two front nine birdies being undone with two back nine bogeys.
A late double cost Justin Walters a sub-par start as he signed for a 72.
