Peter Lawrie, one of Ireland's recent graduates to the European Tour, opened with an impressive 68 to be just two shots off the early lead in the South African Airways Open today.
With six birdies, two dropped shots and the rest pars, Lawrie demonstrated his desire to succeed in the top flight since qualifying for the main Tour from the Challenge Tour last season.
South Africa's Jean Hugo leads the way on six-under after an opening 66 left him one shot ahead of compatriot Tim Clark in second, with Lawrie in a share of third a shot further back.
Irish amateur Padraig Dooley outshone many of his professional counterparts with a fine two-under 70. Kilkenny's Gary Murphy was a shot further back following his 71.
Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell had been making sound progress and reached the turn in two-under 34. However, the 23-year-old suffered a horrendous inward half, three bogeys and a double at the 16th to eventually sign for a three-over 75. It dropped the Portrush man well down the field alongside Limerick's Tim Rice.
Gavin McNeill maintained his composure to remain one-over through 12 holes but it was turning out to be a disastrous start for Ciaran McMonagle. The Donegal man was in last place of the 156-man field on 12-over with three holes to play.