Rumford equals record in S. Africa
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Holder Immelman played in the most difficult conditions
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SOMERSET WEST, South Africa (Reuters) -- Australian Brett Rumford fired a record-equaling eight-under par 64 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the South African Open.
Rumford, playing on the suggestion of his caddie, produced eight birdies as the forecast windy conditions failed to materialise in the morning.
Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, hoping to reclaim his place this year in the world's top 10, shot a solid 68 to place himself in contention.
Despite new clubs, a new caddie and an unusually early start to his season, the 40-year-old recorded four birdies on the back nine for an inward half of 32.
Montgomerie said: "I was struggling a bit on the front nine. I was a little anxious really with a new caddie, shoes, bag, ball and clubs and was just feeling my way.
"I relaxed on the back nine and shot four-under, which puts me in a good position for tomorrow. The weather plays a huge role here. We were fortunate this morning."
Rumford, who teed off in the first group at 6.30 a.m., had a string of four consecutive birdies between the third and the sixth -- his 12th-16th.
He said: "I putted extremely well today, but perhaps my key holes were my 10th and 11th (the first and second) where I holed par putts from 10 and six feet which kept my momentum going."
He added: "This is my first time in South Africa. My caddie (Ian McGregor) is from Zimbabwe so he suggested I come and play and see the place."
Welshman Stephen Dodd also took advantage of the windless early morning conditions to card a seven-under 65.
Three players, including South Africa's Hennie Otto, were grouped on six-under 66.
England's Lee Westwood and defending champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa, who were paired together, both returned one-under 71s in the more difficult afternoon breeze.
South African Trevor Fisher endured the most bizarre round of the day, finally carding a 12-over-par 84.
His round included an eagle, birdie, eagle stretch between the third and fifth holes, but was blemished by a 10 at the par-five seventh and a triple bogey at the par-four 17th.
