Stenson won last week's World Cup alongside Robert Karlsson

Sweden's Henrik Stenson tied the course record to surge five strokes clear of the field after the first round of the Sun City Challenge on Thursday.

Stenson's nine-under-par 63 equalled the record set by Ernie Els at the same South African event six years ago.

Englishman Lee Westwood was third on 70, two shots behind South African Rory Sabbatini on 68.

Stenson, who won last week's World Cup for Sweden alongside Robert Karlsson, recorded eight birdies and an eagle.

He blended accurate tee shots with precision putting at the Gary Player Country Club to leave the rest of the field in his wake.

The only blot on his copybook was a bogey at the fourth and he produced a spectacular birdie-eagle-birdie run from the 13th, before finishing with three pars.

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American Kenny Perry and Englishman Justin Rose carded 73s and Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez was last on 75.

Stenson was content with his day and said: "I only hit driver once today but I had a strong 3-wood. I kept hitting the fairways and played some great iron shots and putted well.

"It's a strong field and even though I've opened some ground on them I need to keep my head down and stick to business."

Westwood is back in action after a four-week lay-off following an operation to take his troublesome tonsils out.

"I felt a little rusty and I wasn't as competitive and sharp as I would have liked," said the 35-year-old, who has played only four times since the Ryder Cup in September.

"I didn't really make any putts but I expect I'll get better with each round. I just need to sharpen up on the greens because I let myself down there."

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