Davidse spent four days in hospital with a bad
bout of flu after missing the cut in Mauritius last week, but
carded nine birdies and a bogey to lead by a single stroke from
a group of six players, including Englishmen James Morrison and
Matthew Baldwin.
Another 10 players are a further shot back at six under-par on a
good day of scoring on the Firethorn and Bushwillow courses that
were used for the 240-strong field.
"I'm obviously very happy. I've worked very hard. I went to
Mauritius last week and didn't play too well. I was in hospital
for about four days so I'm very chuffed today,” Davidse told
reporters.
“I didn't really have any expectations coming into the week. I'm
just out here to have fun. Some guys say this golf course
(Bushwillow) is easy, but you’ve still got to hit the ball. It’s
a good test, you still need to hit it in the right areas and
make the putts.”
The Joburg Open is the final tournament of the year on the
European Tour, and is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and South
Africa’s Sunshine Tour.
Davidse’s best ever finish on the European Tour was in this
tournament 10 months ago when he finished tied for seventh.
(Reporting By Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis)
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