Tandi McCallum grabs early lead at rainy, windy Cape Town Ladies Open

South African golfer Tandi McCallum was the sole player to go under par after a windy and rainy opening round of the Cape Town Ladies Open at Royal Cape Golf Club on Wednesday.

McCallum carded six birdies and five bogeys to post 1-under 73 in the Sunshine Ladies Tour's opening season event. 

The ever-smiling McCallum overcame strong winds and persistent rain to grab a one-shot lead in the 54-hole tournament, which ends on Friday.

McCallum's back nine was sensational, it included a awkward left-handed lay up onto the green on the 15th, as she posted four birdies and ended her round with back-to-back bogeys.

"It was lots of fun but very wet and windy. The course is in fantastic condition, I've come here before when there was a drought but this year, it's been fantastic," McCallum stated after her round.

"The fairways are plush and greens are receptive and rolling beautifully. It's probably the best I've seen it."

Fellow countrywoman Nicole Garcia and England's Thalia Martin share second on level par with SA's Lejan Lewthwaite scoring 2-over par to lie in fourth position.

Tied for fifth on 3-under are South Africa's Nadia van der Westhuizen, Zethu Mkeyi, Lee-Anne Pace and Stacy Bregman - four shots off the lead.

"Hopefully, the weather improves. It wasn't awful today but it would be nice to have a lot more red numbers if the wind swings around," added McCallum.

McCallum will get her second round under way on Thursday in the featured group alongside Martin and Garcia at 08:30.

Cape Town Ladies Open opening round:

73 - Tandi McCallum

74 - Nicole Garcia, Thalia Martin (ENG)

76 - Lejan Lewthwaite

77 - Nadia van der Westhuizen, Zethu Myeki, Lee-Anne Pace, Stacy Bregman

78 - Kim de Klerk (a), Cara Gorlei, Maiken Bing Paulsen (NOR), Kim Williams