Drysdale five behind after first round in Johannesburg

DAVID DRYSDALE went into today's second round of the Joburg Open hoping to shake off some more rust before heading into the first big-money events of the season on the European Tour.

The 35-year-old from Cockburnspath shot an opening four-under-par 67 to sit inside the top 30 at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club along with fellow Scots George Murray and Marc Warren.

Drysdale set out today five shots off the pace but it's a venue the former Dunbar assistant pro, who heads straight from South Africa to the Middle East for events in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai, clearly likes. Two years ago, in the same event, he came within two shots of recording a maiden Tour victory in finishing third behind Anders Hansen of Denmark.

Fifer Murray was the top Scot heading into the second round, having signed off with three straight birdies in his 66.

Warren, bidding to win back his European Tour card, was alongside Drysdale, with Elliot Saltman, Steven O'Hara, Alastair Forsyth and Scott Jamieson all on 70.

Saltman opened with two birdies but didn't manage any more thereafter, while brother Lloyd also had a quiet day, signing for one birdie, one bogey and 16 pars for his 71.