Golf Digest

A round-up of today's other Golf stories in brief...

Stenson hits the birdie trail to move five shots clear

NEDBANK CHALLENGE: Henrik Stenson took a commanding lead in the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge after shooting an impressive, nine-under-par 63 at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa.

The Swede, who started the round with three successive birdies and had an eagle on the back nine, equalled the course record set by Ernie Els in the final round of the 2002 event.

Stenson is five shots clear of Rory Sabbatini, and seven clear of third-placed Lee Westwood, who posted a 70, going into round two.

England's Luke Donald continued his comeback from injury with a level-par 72 to share fourth place alongside KJ Choi, Sergio Garcia, James Kingston, defending champion Trevor Immelman and Robert Karlsson.

Justin Rose was another shot back after a 73.

SENIORS TOUR:After six years in America and "too many nights eating on my own", Des Smyth is preparing to reignite his European Senior Tour career next year.

The 55-year-old former Ryder Cup player, who was one of Ian Woosnam's vice-captains at The K Club in 2006, earned €3½ million on the US Champions Tour, but has decided to concentrate on Europe rather than splitting his schedule.

"I had a fantastic time. My original intention was to do four years, so I stayed longer than I planned.

"It's no place to be unless you are on top of your game and I was getting a bit homesick. I feel more comfortable here in Europe - the fact that I can get home at weekends is a huge bonus."

WOMEN'S TOUR:While the future of the men's Irish Open is still under discussion, the Ladies European Tour have announced that the AIB Ladies Irish Open, supported by Fáilte Ireland, will return to Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links next June 26th-28th with prize money increased to €500,000.

Norway's Suzann Pettersen, the world number five, won the event last year, and tournament organiser Roddy Carr said: "We are looking forward to announcing some big names early in the new year for the 2009 event."

Sponsors AIB and Fáilte Ireland are committed to the Irish Open until 2012 and to the 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle.

AUSTRALIA PGA:Tim Wilkinson and Peter Wilson share the lead after a first day of the Australian PGA Championship curtailed by lightening.

Wilkinson had already completed a six-under 66 to set the clubhouse pace, while Wilson dropped back to that score to join him atop the leaderboard after earlier being eight under thanks largely to a front nine he negotiated in just 29 strokes.

The 2006 US Open champion, Geoff Ogilvy, and Wilkinson's New Zealand compatriot Richard Lee shot 67s.