ONE OF the best shots of his life helped Swede Martin Erlandsson to an eight-under-par 64 and a one-stroke lead on the opening day of the South African Open.
In addition to six birdies, Erlandsson, seeking his first European Tour win in more than 170 attempts, hit a three-wood to three feet on the 530-yard fifth at Pearl Valley.
The 35-year-old from Malmo said afterwards it was one of those strokes where you just say “Wow, what happened?” Erlandsson looked as if he might grab his maiden victory in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in August.
Ten birdies in a closing 62 swept him from six behind to two in front, but compatriot Peter Hedblom was still out on the course and hit back to win by one.
Only a week ago Erlandsson began the new Tour season by playing his first nine holes at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in a nightmare 46, but this time he came home in a superb 30.
Sunday’s winner Pablo Martin produced a brilliant finish too to share second place with South African Dawie Van der Walt on 65.
Martin was only two under with six to go, but birdied the 13th, 16th and 17th and then eagled the 601-yard last.
Van der Walt also had two eagles, following a three on the fifth with a pitch into the hole for a two at the 386-yard 10th.
Denmark’s Anders Hansen, third at the weekend and clear leader of the Sunshine Tour money list with only this week to go, had an eagle and seven birdies, but also three bogeys for a 66 and fourth place. Scotland’s Richie Ramsay lies fifth following a 67.
World Cup winner Edoardo Molinari needs a top-eight finish to get into the world’s top 50 and a place in the US Masters and is one of a large group on on four under.
Damien McGrane was best of the five-strong Irish contingent with a three under round of 69. Michael Hoey shot a 70, while Gary Murphy and Gareth Maybin both recorded 75s and Shane Lowry a six-over 78.
NIGEL EDWARDS has been appointed captain of the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team to face the United States at Royal Aberdeen in 2011.
Edwards played in four successive Walker Cup matches between 2001 and 2007.
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