Forsyth off to a flyer in Joburg Open

ALASTAIR Forsyth's confidence in the build up to his opening event of the new season was vindicated as the Paisley man made his presence felt on the leaderboard in the opening round of the Joburg Open.

The 33-year-old, Scotland's last winner on the European Tour until Richie Ramsay lifted the South African Open title last month, shot a seven-under-par 64 on a day of low scoring to trail the leader, little-known South African Neil Schietekat, by just two shots.

By his own admission, Forsyth had a disappointing end to the 2009 campaign but headed to South Africa feeling buoyed thanks to the work he'd been doing with his coach, Englishman Pete Cowen. "During my winter break, I worked on some things with Pete and I seem to be hitting the ball pretty well, so I'd like to think I'll get off to a decent start," said Forsyth earlier in the week.

He certainly got that yesterday on the West Course at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington, picking up five birdies in the opening seven holes to reach the turn in 31. Coming home, he picked up two more shots to match his lowest rounds of last season, in the Andalucia Open and the Dunhill Links.

Former Scottish amateur champion Andrew McArthur also had a good opening day, the Glasgow player recovering from a shaky start to sign for a 65, which was also crafted on the West Course.

One-over after three holes, McArthur, who has gradually built up his confidence in the paid ranks by playing mainly on the Challenge Tour, finished the rest of his round in five-under-par and bagged eight birdies in total.

Fifer Peter Whiteford carded a 65, one of the day's best scores on the longer East Course, while Paul Lawrie, playing his first event since pulling out of the Honk Kong Open in November with a back injury, and Jamie McLeary, the Scottish Challenge winner last year, both put their names to 68s. Callum Macaulay and Scott Drummond had 70s while Alan McLean posted a 71 but Stephen Gallacher, Steven O'Hara and David Drysdale, third in this event 12 months ago, all had to settle for 72s and face a battle to make the final two rounds.

Darren Clarke's lowest European Tour round since 1999 was still not quite enough to give him the first-round lead. The 40-year-old shot a 63 over the easier West Course but Schietekat then went one better.

The best rounds on the 7,589-yard East were 65s by English duo Barry Lane and Danny Willett.