Herman Loubser signed for a 67 after Friday’s first round of the Vodacom Origins of Golf played at the Parys Golf & Country Estate to lead by one stroke on five-under-par.

Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi is hot on his heels, trailing by one shot on four-under-par 68 with a group of 10 players currently in joint third position on three-under-par 69.

Kelsey Nicholas and Gabrielle Venter are the leading Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals on one-over-par 73.

Loubser started his round on the back nine and although he dropped two shots early on, managed to settle into a good rhythm, carding an eagle and claiming a further five birdies.

“I started off with a bogey. It was a cold morning so it was tough. Then I made another silly drop on the 16th after a poor tee-shot. The eagle on the 18th helped me to bounce back so the overall round was really good. I had a good day,” said Loubser.

The South African is currently in good form after finishing second at the recent Mopani Zambia Open and in joint second position at last week’s FNB Eswatini Open.

“The confidence is pretty good at the moment as I am working on the right things. It’s definitely getting better and a really nice feeling and place to be. Second places are also good but hopefully a win is coming pretty soon” Loubser added.

Loubser’s game plan for the second round is to keep things simple.

“Tomorrow is only the second round, so there is no need to do anything crazy. I just need to get myself in decent positions to shoot a good score, in order to be in a good position for the final round.”