Stenson's stunning round equals Els' record
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Henrik Stenson surged five strokes clear of the field with a course record-tying 63 in the Sun City Challenge first round here yesterday. The big-hitting Swede was in impressive form, combining accurate tee shots with precision putting at the Gary Player Country Club to fire his nine-under-par score and equal the record set by Ernie Els in the final round of the 2002 event.
The Swede started with three successive birdies and also had an eagle on the back nine. The South African Rory Sabbatini was second on 68 with Britain's Lee Westwood third on 70.
Stenson, who won last week's World Cup for Sweden with his team-mate Robert Karlsson, carried on that form with a three-under start on the first three holes. After a bogey four at the seventh he had back-to-back birdies at eight and nine. After another birdie at the 10th, the Ryder Cup player went birdie-eagle-birdie from the 13th before finishing with three par figures.
Luke Donald, of Britain, continued his comeback from injury with a level-par 72 to share fourth place alongside K J Choi, Spain's Sergio Garcia, James Kingston, the defending champion Trevor Immelman and Karlsson, who was making his debut in the invitational 12-man tournament. Britain's Justin Rose was another shot back after a 73 alongside the American Kenny Perry. Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez was last on 75.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments