DAVID FEHERTY cast aside two years of trouble and strife to post his best competitive round since 1994 on the first day of the South African PGA championship on a sodden Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg yesterday.
Only world number three and local favourite Ernie Els was able to better Feherty's 65, and it required a near course record 64 in order to do so.
The 37 year old Ulsterman made a dream start after teeing off at the 10th. In fact, Feherty said he thought he was dreaming. A 20 foot birdie putt sent him under par immediately and, after paring the 11th, four more birdies followed in succession.
"I thought I was still asleep, especially when I hit a three iron to 18 inches at the 16th to set up another birdie putt. It was only when I missed it that I knew the round was for real."
Eamon Darcy was the next best of the nine Irishmen in Johannesburg this week after returning a solid, two under par 70 that included a 3,3,3 start, but failed to ignite thereafter.
Although torrential rain for 10 days has left the greens as soft and tempting targets conditions were not to everyone's liking with the fairways offering no run and plenty of muddy trouble either side.
Philip Walton endured a nightmare front nine with a six over 42, which included five bogies and a double bogey in the first eight holes. When play was suspended for bad light Walton was struggling at five over par through 2 holes.
Darren Clarke and Ronan Rafferty were also over par when play was suspended. Paul McGinley was level after nine holes. Clarke failed to take advantage of his length of the tee on the par five ninth, where he hit his ball 50 metres past his playing partners, but could only manage par.
Els, wearing contact lenses for the first time, was in unstoppable form. He scythed through one of his favourite courses in what would have been a course record, had several ladies tees not been used because of rain damage.
Four birdies on each loop and no dropped shots left Els under standably delighted. I hit my long irons very straight and putted very well. Longsightedness has never adversely affected my game, it's just nice to see my good shots land But I must say it's great to see David playing well again. He has always been popular in South Africa.
Feherty, meanwhile, admitted to a massive return in desire for the game after coming close to quitting competitive golf last year.
"I really felt like playing golf today. I haven't felt like that for quite a while. I don't mind admitting the goals I've got for the season. I want to be back in the winners' enclosure. I want to be competitive on a regular basis, and I want to get some Ryder Cup points. Yes, I want to play Ryder Cup golf again."
