Andrew Georgiou is one shot ahead of the pack after the first round at The Open Championship International Final Qualifying (IFQ) - Africa.
Three spots are on offer at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club for The Open, which takes place at Muirfield in July.
Georgiou is in the driving seat after a fine seven-under par 65 which was kick-started by an eagle on the eighth and the 26-year-old South African, who qualified for last year's Open following success at the IFQ-Africa 2012, is determined to return.
"I made an eagle on the eighth hole after I hit a three-wood to three foot and all of a sudden the momentum changed. Eventually it clicked - today was just a matter of staying patient and taking the opportunities when they came," he told the open.com.
"It helps having done it once before. I enjoy this event and I really enjoyed The Open last year - there are a lot of great memories. Knowing what's in store for you if you qualify really motivates you to get back there."
Three players are a shot back at six-under with one of those, Justin Harding, hoping to take part in his first Open.
"I think it will be an amazing experience to play The Open. Every youngster watched the Championship and it was special to watch Ernie Els win it, both last year and at Muirfield in 2002. To possibly follow in his footsteps would be awesome," said Harding.
Darren Lloyd and Jake Roos both shot 66, while Desvonde Botes and Spain's Eduardo de la Riva are tied fifth on five-under-par.
