Intro:

Kevin Phelan and Matt Ford share the lead on Thursday (5th March) after the conclusion of the first round at the African Open in East London, South Africa.

Script:

East London Golf Club was bathed in sunshine for the opening round of the African Open, but a strong wind made conditions far from ideal.

Andy Sullivan has two wins in South Africa this season including last week in Johannesburg - he had a level par 72 to get his challenge off to solid start.

At just 20 year of age, Matthew Fitzpartick is one of the rising stars in golf and thanks to some excellent work with the irons, he opened with a round of three-under.

David Howell on the other hand, went one better.

The former Ryder Cup player showing a nice touch on the greens as he produced a round of 68 and finished in a group of five players just one shot off the lead.

There was a surprising name at the top in Matt Ford.

The Englishman has struggled in the professional game and came close to quitting in the off season, but he will be glad he didn't as he produced a bogey free round of 67.

He shares the lead with Kevin Phelan - the Irishman showing beautiful control in the wind, carding only one bogey in a round of 67, five-under par.