England's Lauren Taylor held the lead after the first round of the SuperSport Ladies Challenge at the Lost City Golf Course at Sun City.

Taylor carded an opening round of four-under-par 68 to hold a one-stroke lead.

A further stroke back in a share for second are Vanessa Knecht, Ana Dawson, Pasqualle Coffa and South Africa's Kaleigh Telfer.

Taylor said here strategy was one of just taking it hole by hole and her start was hot.

“I was just trying to be myself out there and take it hole by hole,” Taylor said.

“It was a good day. I made a hot start, it’s always nice to get three birdies first up, so then I just tried to keep being aggressive.

“All parts of my game were pretty good, but the best part was that I hit every fairway. My irons were also good and that’s always a good combo which will always give you chances. So I was hitting good shots and making birdies.

“I still gave myself some chances on the front nine but I just didn’t hole the putts. But I was very happy to finish with a birdie. 

“I was feeling confident after a good week at Fancourt in the Dimension Data Pro-Am, but anything can happen in golf and you never know how it’s going to be on the day,” 

Bloemfontein's Gabi Venter, the daughter of former Free State cricket allrounder, Kosie Venter, finished in a share for tenth on one-under-par 71.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport