Schwartzel carded an eagle, four birdies and a single bogey to sit just one stroke behind leaders Richard McEvoy and Julian, but it could have been a different story for the South African, who very nearly finished his first round in style.
‘On 18 I hit a fantastic shot and then finishing off today on nine, I hit the flag again with two fairway woods and that doesn’t happen very often but you know I played well this morning,’ Schwartzel said.
‘I felt like early this morning was a bit difficult, and when we made the turn the sun came out, and balls starting going a little further, which you do need, on this golf course. It’s a monster.’