South Africans Schaper and Du Plessis Share BMW International Open Lead After Opening Round

Posted : 03 July 2026

South African golfers Jayden Schaper and Hennie du Plessis made an impressive start to the BMW International Open by sharing the lead after the opening round in Munich. Both players produced flawless bogey-free rounds of eight-under-par 64 at Golfclub München Eichenried to top the leaderboard after Thursday's play.

Schaper continued the outstanding form that has seen him emerge as one of the DP World Tour's leading performers this season. After winning consecutive titles in South Africa and Mauritius at the end of last year, the 25-year-old is chasing a third victory of the 2026 Race to Dubai campaign. A recent dip in form included missed cuts at the US PGA Championship and the US Open, but he looked refreshed after taking a week off before arriving in Germany.

Starting his round on the 10th tee alongside Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed and England's Marco Penge, Schaper quickly found his rhythm with consecutive birdies at the 11th and 12th holes. Two chip-in birdies highlighted an outstanding front nine before further gains at the second, sixth and ninth holes secured his brilliant opening 64.

Schaper said his familiarity with the course and his enjoyment of competing in Munich helped him settle into the tournament. He credited a solid start and two unexpected chip-ins for maintaining his momentum throughout the round, adding that the soft greens allowed him to attack the pins with confidence.

Du Plessis soon joined his compatriot at the top of the leaderboard with an equally impressive bogey-free performance. The 29-year-old mixed six birdies with an eagle, building on the confidence gained during what has already been his strongest season on the DP World Tour. His recent debut at the US Open provided valuable experience despite proving mentally demanding, and he admitted taking time after returning home to reset and work on his game.

His round gathered momentum after the turn, with consecutive birdies at the fourth and fifth holes followed by an eagle at the par-five sixth. Another birdie at the ninth completed a sparkling 64, although Du Plessis admitted he was slightly disappointed not to finish even lower after missing a birdie opportunity on his final hole.

South Africa enjoyed an excellent opening day overall, with JC Ritchie sitting one shot behind the leading pair after carding a seven-under-par 65. Australia's Anthony Quayle matched that score later in the day to remain within touching distance heading into the second round.

With three South Africans occupying the top positions on the leaderboard after the opening round, the tournament has started brightly for the country's golfers, who will now look to maintain their strong challenge as the BMW International Open continues in Munich.

South Africans Schaper and Du Plessis Share BMW International Open Lead After Opening Round

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics