Henrik Stenson took a commanding lead in the first round of the Nedbank Challenge after shooting an impressive nine-under-par 63 at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.
The Swede, who started the round with three successive birdies and had an eagle on the back nine, equalled the course record set by Ernie Els in the final round of the 2002 event.
Stenson is five shots clear of nearest challenger Rory Sabbatini, and seven clear of third-placed Lee Westwood, who posted a 70, going into round two.
Englishman Luke Donald continued his comeback from injury with a level-par 72 to share fourth place alongside KJ Choi, Sergio Garcia, James Kingston, defending champion Trevor Immelman and Robert Karlsson.
Justin Rose was another shot back after a 73.
Collated first round scores in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, Sun City, Johannesburg, South Africa (Rsa unless stated, Par 72):
63 Henrik Stenson (Swe)
68 Rory Sabbatini
70 Lee Westwood (Eng)
72 Robert Karlsson (Swe), Trevor Immelman, James Kingston, Sergio Garcia (Spa), KJ Choi (Kor), Luke Donald (Eng)
73 Kenny Perry (USA), Justin Rose (Eng)
75 Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa)
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