Haas & Colsaerts Share Lead in Nedbank Golf Challenge


American Bill Haas and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts carded 2-under 70s to take a share of the opening-round lead in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. The $1 million, 12-man event began Thursday at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa.

Haas, the 2011 FedEx Cup champion, carded five birdies and three bogeys, while Colsaerts, a two-time winner on the European Tour who recently said he'll be spend next season on the PGA Tour, had three birdies and a bogey.

Haas closed his round with a bogey on the par-4 closing hole, needing to sink a 10-foot putt to shoot a 70. "Happy to make that last putt, a six on the last would have really stung," said the 30-year-old North Carolinian, a four-time PGA Tour winner.

"Happy with 2-under, but it would have been nice to shoot a couple more (birdies). Because it's playing tough out there."

Sharing third after 71s are Scotland's Paul Lawrie, South African Louis Oosthuizen, and Brit Lee Westwood. Sweden's Peter Hanson, Germany's Martin Kaymer, Spain's Francesco Molinari, Sweden's Carl Pettersson and South African Charl Schwartzel shot even-par 72s.

Alone in 11th is Justin Rose (73), while in last place after 18 holes is South Africa's Garth Mulroy (75).

Seven members of Europe's triumphant 2012 Ryder Cup squad are playing in the tournament.

For all the scores, visit http://www.nedbankgolfchallenge.com/leaderboard.aspx.