Tom McKibbin stalks leaders at Jonsson Workwear Open

Tom McKibbin is four shots off the lead at the Jonsson Workwear Open as South African duo Darren Fichardt and Martin Vorster carded matching rounds of 64 to share top spot after the opening round.

McKibbin bogeyed the second hole, but went on to record birdies at holes three, seven, 10, 16 and 17 to sit on four under.

On a day of low scoring which saw 113 of the 156-man field break par, Fichardt recorded eight birdies, while Vorster made an eagle and six birdies on the Jack-Nicklaus-designed layout at Steyn City.

Fichardt started from the 10th and birdied his first two holes as he looks to end a six-year victory drought on the DP World Tour by claiming a sixth title.

"I didn't have a great warm-up so for my first two holes, I was just focused on swinging it easy and hitting fairways and greens," the 47-year-old said. "I managed to make those two birdies and that was me.

"I just stayed consistent for the rest of the round. Once you get off to a hot start there’s no fixing up to do. You just keep riding the wave."

At the other end of the age spectrum, 21-year-old Vorster is still in his rookie season on the Sunshine Tour and seeking a maiden professional win.

"I’m very happy," Vorster said. "After I missed a few short birdie putts on the front nine, my caddie just told me to be patient.

"On 10 I hit a great second shot and made the putt for eagle and that shifted the momentum for me."

Joakim Lagergren, Sebastian Soderberg, Nick Bachem and Hennie O’Kennedy were a shot off the lead on seven under.