Hendrik Buhrmann of South Africa shot a 4-under par 68 on Thursday to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Korean Open.
World number three Ernie Els of South Africa finished three strokes behind the leader at the 6,342-metre Woo Jung Hills Country Club in Cheonan, south of Seoul.
Nico Van Rensburg of South Africa, and Australians Richard Moir and Terry Pilkadaris shot 70 to shared the second place.
”I had an interview back home recently and I told the reporter that I haven’t won yet in Asia in 10 years,” Buhrmann was quoted as saying in a statement.
”Hopefully, I can go back in a few weeks time and tell him some good news. It was nice to play well.”
The 41-year-old Buhrmann, who sank six birdies and an eagle on Thursday, is seeking his first Asian Tour title.
It was Els who attracted largest galleries. The player they call the ”Big Easy” started from the 10th, and holed in two consecutive birdies on the fifth and sixth holes.
”I am reasonably satisfied,” said Els, who flew directly from Switzerland to take part in this week’s event.
”The course played really tough and the flag positions were quite difficult. Anything under par today is a good score. Hopefully I can improve on that.”
Els played in the first round with Korean stars Kang Wook-soon and Kevin Na, the youngest player on the United States PGA Tour this year.
It wasn’t an easy start for Na, who finished Thursday’s round with 73. – Sapa-AP