Joburg Open: Bhullar cards 71

February 6, 2014: Gaganjeet Bhullar carded one-under 71 in the first round of the Joburg Open in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Meanwhile, four hold the lead with a score of seven under in the opening round. Qualifying School graduate Alastair Forsyth was joined by Justin Walters and Edoardo Molinari to lead the first round with 64 as the Joburg Open began at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club. The tournament’s opening round is in progress.

Scot Forsyth, a two-time European Tour winner whose trip to PGA Catalunya in November represented an eighth Qualifying School appearance, carded seven birdies. While, Italy’s former Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari continued to put his recent injury troubles behind him by moving into a share of lead with eight birdies. Home grown Justin Walters joined them with another eight birdies. Craig Lee fired a round of 65 with seven under to be tied for lead.

Bhullar, who is ranked 139th in the Official World Golf Ranking and placed at 74 in Race to Dubai would be vying for better scoring average to play through weekend.

The Joburg Open, co-sanctioned by European Tour and Sunshine Tour debuted in 2007; the Joburg Open has helped to grow the international careers of many of its winners.

The Joburg Open has its importance for being the second event in the Open Qualifying Series. The players vying for the Joburg Open trophy will have their eyes set for the opportunity to play in golf’s oldest and most international Major Championship.

Three competitors who finish in the top ten and ties, who are not already exempt, will secure their places in the field for the 143rd Open Championship, which will be played from 17-20 July.