Erik van Rooyen was the best-placed of the South Africans after the first round of the PGA Tour’s Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California after his opening one-under-par 71 put him in a share of 60th.
The lead was held by Australia’s Lucas Herbert on nine-under-par 63, and he had a two-stroke lead over SH Kim of Korea. There were six players in a share of third on six-under-par 66, while embattled US Ryder Cup star Justin Thomas opened with a solid-looking three-under-par 69.
Also on 71 with Van Rooyen was countryman MJ Daffue, while Garrick Higgo opened with a level-par 72 for a share of 86th.
Dylan Frittelli and Christiaan Bezuidenhout were well off the early pace with a pair of three-over par 75s.
