The 2024 season began in Johannesburg and Brisbane just four days after the 2023 one finished in Dubai – and the No.90-ranked Lawrence maintained his fine form from the DP World Tour Championship, where he finished in a tie for fifth place.

Lawrence, who won the Joburg Open by four strokes in November 2021 and has captured three more titles since, birdied five of his first six holes to quickly tie for first place with clubhouse leader and compatriot Nikhol Rama (65), who's ranked a lowly No.1214.

Lawrence added more birdies at the 13th and 14th, and then rolled in a putt from 10 feet at the last to pick up another shot in a bogey-free round at Houghton Golf Club.

Defending champion Dan Bradbury shot a 66 and was in a 10-way tie for third place.

The event marks the start of three straight tournaments taking place in South Africa, which are co-sanctioned with the country's Sunshine Tour.

Three places at The Open Championship are on offer for the leading three players not already exempt who make the cut.