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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -- South Africa's Andrew McLardy shot a course-record 9-under 63 on Thursday on the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club's West Course to take the first-round lead in the Joburg Open.

McLardy eagled two of the last four holes for a back-nine 29 in the new event sanctioned by the European and Southern Africa tours.

Italy's Edoardo Molinari, the 2005 U.S. Amateur champion, had the best score on the tougher East Course, a 7-under 64. South Africans Warren Abery and Mark Murless opened with 64s on the West Course. The final two rounds will be played on the East Course.

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