SUN CITY, South Africa — In the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Thursday, defending champion Max Homa showcased his skills, finishing the day with an impressive 6-under 66, which put him in the lead by one stroke over South Africa’s Ockie Strydom.

Homa kicked off his round with a remarkable start, securing three consecutive birdies and adding two more on the front nine. Although he encountered some challenges on the back nine, leading to two bogeys, he managed to recover strongly by birdieing the final two holes.

Strydom’s round was no less impressive; he carded a 67, which featured four birdies, one eagle, and a single bogey.

Having failed to qualify for the Tour Championship in August, Homa’s participation in the tournament marks only his second start at the tour level since then. Last year, he made history by becoming the fifth American to win this prestigious event in South Africa.

Currently, Homa is looking to achieve the rare feat of successfully defending his title, a challenge only accomplished by seven other players in the tournament’s history. Should he succeed, he would also be the first American to do so since Jim Furyk achieved it in 2006.

In addition to Homa, three players in the field are ranked within the top 50, including Corey Conners, who began his round with a score of 72, and Thriston Lawrence, who finished with a score of 71.

American golfer Will Zalatoris, meanwhile, ended his day with a score of 74, struggling with a double bogey on the challenging par-4 13th hole.