Golf: Lightweights steal show from Schwartzel

McGrane and Elson – ranked 250 and 395, in the world – were the clubhouse leaders after carding eight-under-par 63s.

JOHANNESBURG: Lightweights Damien McGrane of Ireland and Jamie Elson of England stole the show from reigning US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa in a storm-hit Joburg Open first round. McGrane and Elson – ranked 250 and 395, respectively, in the world – were the clubhouse leaders after carding eight-under-par 63s on the easier west course at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. Meanwhile, Schwartzel, ranked nine in the world and seeking to match Ernie Els, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Ian Woosnam by winning a European Tour event three consecutive times, was level par after 15 holes when play stopped.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2012.