SUN CITY, South Africa (AP) — Defending champion Lee Westwood birdied the last hole to shoot a 4-under 68 and share the first-round lead with Masters winner Charl Schwartzel at the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Thursday.
The third-ranked Westwood holed a putt from nearly 20 feet on No. 18 for his fourth birdie. The Englishman also had an eagle three on No. 9 and two bogeys.
Schwartzel unleashed a birdie blitz on the back nine at Gary Player Country Club, picking up five shots over seven holes.
Top-ranked Luke Donald was the early leader on his return to competition after a five-week break, but a double-bogey six on No. 17 gave him a 70 and a tie for fourth. Robert Karlsson of Sweden was alone in third after shooting 69.
