Bairstow and From Share Lead After Dramatic Opening Round at South African Open

Posted : 28 February 2025

Despite challenging weather conditions, England’s Sam Bairstow and Sweden’s Fredrik From shared the clubhouse lead after the opening round of the Investec South African Open at Durban Country Club. Heavy rainfall had left the course waterlogged, but thanks to an extraordinary effort by maintenance staff and the eThekwini Municipality, play was able to commence after only a three-hour delay.

Bairstow and From capitalized on the improved conditions, each carding a seven-under-par 65, while South Africa’s Darren Fichardt was also at seven under with four holes remaining when play was suspended due to darkness. The incomplete first round will resume on Friday morning at 08:00.

Several players remained in close contention, with South Africa’s Jayden Schaper, Scotland’s Richie Ramsay, India’s Shubhankar Sharma, China’s Haotong Li, and England’s Todd Clements all finishing at six under par. Bairstow and From, like many in the field, were astonished that play was even possible given the previous day’s conditions.

Bairstow praised the course staff for their tremendous effort, noting that he had doubted whether the tournament could proceed after seeing parts of the course submerged. From echoed his sentiments, admitting he was surprised when play wasn’t called off and commending the overnight work that made the course playable.

Both leaders managed to keep mistakes to a minimum, dropping just one shot each in their rounds. From also recorded two eagles, taking advantage of the par-five third and tenth holes with precise approach shots. Feeling at home in South Africa due to his years on the Sunshine Tour, From expressed his desire to claim victory while competing under both the Swedish and South African banners.

Meanwhile, Ramsay has positioned himself well for a second Investec South African Open title, having won the event in 2009. Schaper, who has previously come close to victory, remains hopeful of securing his first win after multiple top-10 finishes in the tournament.

Among the amateurs, Bryan Newman and Christiaan Maas were the top performers at one under par, though they have yet to complete their rounds. With several strong contenders and the course now in playable condition, the competition remains wide open heading into the second day.

Bairstow and From Share Lead After Dramatic Opening Round at South African Open

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