Hidalgo sets clubhouse target at Joburg Open

Spanish golfer Angel Hidalgo set the clubhouse target before bad weather brought an early end to day one of the Joburg Open at Randpark.

The threat of lightning forced play to be suspended shortly after 5pm local time, with Hidalgo among the players safely in the clubhouse following an opening six-under-par 65.

The 23-year-old recorded an eagle, six birdies and two bogeys to lead by one from England’s Ashley Chesters, with South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli part of a seven-strong group a shot further back on four under.

Hidalgo, who claimed his maiden title on the Challenge Tour in 2021 and won twice on the Alps Tour, said: “This was like my third DP World Tour event in three years, so I was a bit nervous early in my round.

“But this start means a lot to me. It gives me a lot of confidence. It’s great to be here and playing with the best, so let’s start the party.”

Frittelli, who finished fifth in last November’s Masters and in the same position in the Open in July, vowed to continue taking an aggressive approach after his opening 67.

“I’m just going to keep smashing the driver out there,”he said.

“I think if I can hit the driver as far as I can it’s going to benefit me. I’m just going to keep my foot on the gas.

Dean Burmester, who hit the opening tee shot of the newly-named DP World Tour, is seven shots off the pace after an opening 72.

Compatriot JC Ritchie made a holein-one on the par-three 17th but cruelly missed out on winning the Jaguar XJR parked behind the tee, the prize only being on offer for the first ace in rounds three or four.