THE international competitors were struggling as the first round of the $1-million South African Open kicked off in blistering heat at the Stellenbosch Golf Club on Thursday. Leading the field as the early starters neared the end of their rounds, were Pretoria’s Justin Hobday and Ron McCann, a South African who has lived in the United States for many years. Both were four under par midway through their second nine. Further back in the field, many of the international big names were struggling. Former world No 1 Nick Faldo was still striving to find the swing that took him to six majors. Ernie Els, the favourite after his victory at the Alfred Dunhill PGA last week, was among the late starters.