Cape Town - SA's top ranked golfer Louis Oosthuizen has seized the lead in the opening round of the South African Open at Randpark Golf Club on Thursday.
LEADERBOARD: SA Open - Round 1
Oosthuizen fired a superb round of 62 to finish on 9-under on the Bushwillow course.
Heis the highest-ranked golfer in the 240-man field with a world ranking of 36th.
Zambia's Madalitso Muthiya, who also played on the Bushwillow course, is behind Oosthuizen after shooting a magnificent round 63 to sit on 8-under.
Last week's Mauritius Open winner Kurt Kitayama continued his fine form, is tied for second along with Muthiya as he shot six birdies and an eagle to start on 8-under on the Firethorn course.
Tyrone Ferreira is the next best South African after carding a round of 65 to be tied for fifth on 6-under par.
The SA Open will retain three qualifying spots for next year's Open Championship.