Garcia grabs lead after weather-delayed Nedbank Golf Challenge first round

Johannesburg –  Sergio Garcia led the Nedbank Golf Challenge after the first round resumed on Friday morning, but his success on the golf course was overshadowed by the passing of Nelson Mandela, according to reports.

According to Sport24, the Spaniard includes the 2001 and 2003 Nedbank Golf Challenge to his tally of 24 professional wins and took steps towards a third title with his opening 66 at Gary Player Country Club.

He said that it was sad to lose Mandela, not only for South Africa, but for the world as he was such a great man and did so many great things for humanity.

Garcia had a one-stroke lead over Thomas Bjorn of Denmark, Wales’ Jamie Donaldson and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain, with former world number one Luke Donald and Charl Schwartzel sharing fifth on four-under-par, the report said.

World No 3 Henrik Stenson, one of the favourites for the tournament, carded an opening three-under-par 69 together with Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, the report added.