Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin produced a bogey-free round of 67 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the European PGA Tour's Champions event in Durban on Thursday.
Despite windy conditions rendering shot-making difficult, Jacquelin enjoyed a flawless day with five birdies, including three at the last five holes.
He leads by a stroke from home favourite and defending champion Louis Oosthuizen, who recovered from a bogey at the par-four first to shoot a 68.
"I managed to get everything right," said Jacquelin.
"A bogey-free round; that's the key, to go bogey-free every round on this course.
"It's a new year and pretty good way for me to start, so that's great."
Veteran Northern Irishman Darren Clarke and talented young Frenchman Victor Dubuisson shot three-under-par rounds of 69, while Colin Montgomerie was among those who shot a 70.
Montgomerie, who is the oldest player in the field at the age of 50, endured an up and down day, with six birdies and four bogeys, although he came within six inches of holing his tee shot at the short 15th hole.
Meanwhile, Clarke, whose last win came at the 2011 Open at Royal St Georges, said he owed his fine round to a recent fitness regime which led to s loss of 19kg in weight.
"It's something, I took a look at myself in October and thought it's time to make a change," he said.
"I am feeling strong. I reached (the 560-yard par-five) 10 today, whatever it was, hit it 300 off the tee into the wind and hit driver from 285 to 12 feet and I couldn't have reached there maybe five, six months ago. So hopefully it will pay off."
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