JOHANNESBURG – Justin Walters made birdie on the last hole to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the European Tour’s Joburg Open on Thursday.
The South African made his sixth birdie of the day on No. 18 for a 7-under 65 on the East Course at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington. That gave Walters a narrow advantage over six men tied for second on 6 under.
That tie includes English pair Anthony Wall and David Howell, and Zimbabwe’s Mark Williams, who all carded 65s on the easier par-71 West Course.
Also tied for second are Haydn Porteous and Swedes Johan Carlsson and Michael Jonzon.
After missing the cut at the South African Open last week, Ernie Els opened with a 1-under 70 on the West to be tied for 69th.