Slabbert opened with a 4-over-par 76 at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa to earn a three-stroke lead over fellow countryman Reinard Schuhknecht and the US’s Tracy Ramin.

Slabbert thought the scores would be lower on day one, but admitted that the Zebula course had played unusually difficult.

“The course played a lot tougher than I expected. There’s a lot of bush, the fairways are tight, and the greens are fast. And I just couldn’t make any long putts. But I’ll take 76 and build on it. I am a bit surprised because I thought the internationals would be shooting really low, but it looks like the greens caught them a bit,” said Slabbert.

Slabbert should prepare for a stronger challenge from the internationals in the final two rounds, however.

Canada’s Josh Williams, who is lying in fourth place after an opening 80, said: “I’m coming for him. I didn’t have a practice round and got into some trouble out there. But with some local knowledge now I’m expecting to knock a few shots off and put myself in position for a good final round battle with Daniel.

“The 76 he shot today was a really good score. But I’ve got the Canadian and US titles behind my name, and I really want this South African one as well.”

America’s Ramin was also positive about the next two rounds. “I battled out there, but made some great putts that saved my round. Knowing the course a bit better, I’d be looking to shoot a lot lower over the next two days,” he said.

Leading Scores (Players South African unless stated):

76 – Daniel Slabbert
79 – Reinard Schuhknecht, Tracy Ramin (USA)
80 – Josh Williams (CAN)
81 – Iglin Grobbelaar, Charl Theron
82 – Andy Gardiner (UK)
83 – Ben van Zyl, Christo de Jager