GRAEME McDOWELL will take a one-shot lead into the third round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City today.

McDowell overcame a double-bogey seven on the 14th to card a five-under-par 67 at the Gary Player Country Club.

At seven under par the former US Open champion tops a crowded leaderboard with defending champion Lee Westwood, world number four Martin Kaymer, Swede Robert Karlsson and American Jason Dufner all one shot behind.

World number one Luke Donald is five shots off the pace after a 72 left him two under alongside home favourite and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.

Schwartzel began the day tied for the lead with Westwood, but struggled to a 74 after running up a double-bogey six on the eighth.

McDowell’s own double bogey came on the par-five 14th after he pulled his drive into the undergrowth, but the Northern Irishman also had seven birdies, including two in his last three holes.

“That’s exactly what I wanted,” McDowell told Sky Sports. “It’s a pretty bunched leaderboard, which says a lot about how tough the course is when you start leaving the beaten track.

“I’m very happy to finish with a couple of birdies after a bit of a whoopsie on the par five.”

McDowell spent a long time on the range after yesterday’s opening round and added: “I spoke to my coach Pete Cowen who told me to tighten up my backswing a bit and I felt like I controlled my ball a bit better today, so thanks Pete!”

Ryder Cup team-mate Kaymer was also pleased with his 68, which featured one bogey, three birdies and an eagle on the par-five 10th.

“I played well again, the same as yesterday,” the German said.

“I look forward to the weekend, I think I’ve put myself in a good position.”