Australian Matt Jones took the first-round lead at the Honda Classic on Thursday, while it was a quiet start for the South African trio in the field.
Jones opened with a spectacular nine-under-par 61 at the PGA National Resort to jump to the summit of the leaderboard, where he holds a three-shot advantage.
The American duo of Aaron Wise and Russell Henley both rounded off their respective opening rounds on six under, occupying a share of second place ahead of Friday’s second round.
Charl Schwartzel and Erik van Rooyen closed out Thursday’s action, both on even par for the day, following rounds of 70.
READ: Fichardt relishing 400th Tour start
Schwartzel had a tricky start on the front nine, but recovered well with two birdies after the turn, while Van Rooyen started with a bang, eagling the third hole before four bogeys before the turn rocked his round.
He did, however, fight back on the stretch with three birdies on the final-six holes of the round.
Dylan Frittelli struggled throughout his first round, going five over for the day to sign off with a disappointing 75. He ended the day in T117.
