Keenan Davidse hits the front in Johannesburg despite off-course challenges
- Planet Sport writer
- 7 March 2024
Local favourite Keenan Davidse continued his fine recent form in the midst of personal tragedy to share the lead after day one of the Jonsson Workwear Open in South Africa.
The 34-year-old's aunt and his coach both died within days of each other last month, with Davidse playing on and finishing in the top 10 at the NMB Championship on the Challenge Tour.
He followed that result with a top-20 at last week's SDC Championship on the DP World Tour and an opening 64 put him atop the leaderboard at eight under on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Davidse – who has also been open about his wife's struggles with anxiety and depression – said: "It wasn't hard, I'm on a good foot again back home.
"I'm just blessed to be here today."
Davidse made nine birdies and a single bogey in his opening round, a feat matched by Spaniard Ivan Cantero, who is finding some form after missing his first seven cuts of the season.
South African trio Oliver Bekker, Louis de Jager and Thriston Lawrence were a shot off the lead, one clear of a group including England's Jordan Smith.
