On a day during which the world’s top three players carded a combined two-over-par, Garrick Higgo with a two-under 70 topped the South Africans in the field of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Higgo made three birdies and a bogey in his round to end the first day in a share of 20th. He was level with world number-one Scottie Scheffler, three clear of defending champion Xander Schauffele, and five up on Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy. That big three all showed a number of frailties on a soggy course that McIlroy in particular was expected to dominate.

The first-round lead was held at seven-under-par 65 by Jhonatthan Vegas of Venezuela, who made nine birdies in his round to show that the course could be conquered. Vegas led by two from Cam Davis of Australia and American Ryan Gerard, with England’s Aaron Rai, Germany’s Stephan Jaeger, Kiwi Ryan Foz, Alex Smalley of the United States and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald all on four-under in a share of fourth.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Erik van Rooyen also managed to open with under-par rounds, each carding one-under 71 for a share of 29th with 15 other players, including Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg.

Thriston Lawrence and Daniel van Tonder each signed for two-over 74 and a share of 73rd, while Dean Burmester battled to a three-over 75 and a share of 98th.