Palmer and Ferreira top the leader board

MICHAEL Palmer shot a 69 at The Els Club Copperleaf yesterday to share the first-round lead at the Sunshine Big Easy Tour Championship.

“It’s nice to see your name on the top of the leader board in a tournament that’s probably the most important for us this year. I’m very happy with my position, and hopefully I can continue with the form,” he said.

The tournament runs for 54 holes and offers R200 000, but the real prize is playing privileges on next year’s Sunshine Tour.

The leading 30 earners from the regular Big Easy season teed up for the finale, all hoping to secure one of the cards on offer, which go to the leading five players on the final Order of Merit.

Palmer got his campaign off to a good start yesterday when he finished the first round on three under par, and joined Stephen Ferreira at the top of the leader board.

Also in the mix is Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who came into the week with backto-back wins.

At the close of round one he shared third place with Ryan Clarke and Daniel Hammond on one under par.