Naidoo uses local knowledge to lead at weather-affected Irene Country Club

South Africa's Dylan Naidoo sat at the leaderboard in inclement weather on the opening round of the Kit Kat Group Pro-Am at Irene Country Club on Friday.

The start of the first round was delayed by three hours because of the weather, and with the par-four eighth reduced to a par three for this tournament because of waterlogged areas on the course. 

Eventually, play was called off at 15:56 as Naidoo took the lead on seven-under-par through his 13 holes.

Naidoo scored seven birdies and no bogeys in challenging conditions, leading by three strokes over fellow countryman Rupert Kaminski and Jayden Schaper.

Kaminski managed to make it into the clubhouse with a 4-under 67, while Schaper has only played 14 holes.

Byron Coetzee also managed to complete his round, signing for a three-under-par 68.

Louis de Jager, Deon Germishuys and Tristen Strydom are in a group of players all well placed on three under and still to complete their rounds.

Naidoo stated that he was more than pleased with his performance on Friday and hoped to use his experience from junior golf to lift his maiden Sunshine Tour title.

"I played quite nicely. The course is there for the taking if you can hit good tee shots. There are good birdie opportunities out there. The greens are quite receptive, so that helps," said Naidoo.

"For the most part it was just playing shot for shot. It was more just playing each shot on its merit and not getting it into my head that I need to hit this wedge shot close and try and make birdie. It also helps that I know this golf course well.

"I played a lot of junior golf at Irene. With a bit more experience, I'm doing a bit better than I used to do."

Naidoo will return on Saturday morning with the same level of focus with the first round set