DORSET'S Gary Emerson chalked up the third best score of the day on the East Course, but had to settle for a share of 30th place after a wet-and-windy first day at the Joburg Open.

Emerson carded a two-under-par 69 today on the much tougher of two courses used in the competition at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in South Africa.

Joint overnight leaders were South Africans Tyronne Ferreira and Mark Murless who both carded six-under-par 65s on the easier West Course.

Only Scotland's David Drysdale, who carded a remarkable 67, and Charl Coetzee (68) had better scores than Emerson on the East Course.

"The East Course is just incredibly long," said Emerson. "It's well over 7,000 yards long and I've worn out my three and four irons, it's that tough!

"I think there were only five scores under par when I left the course," added Emerson, who was among the early starters.

"But it's great to have a decent round again. I'm not looking too far ahead, but I would need a top-five finish to get into the next tournament."

Emerson is hoping to make the most of a limited chance to play on the European Tour after losing his full playing privileges last season.

The Wimborne-based professional got off to a poor start, however, when he rattled up a double bogey five on the 252-yard second hole after finding trees with his tee shot on the demanding 7,558-yard circuit.

But four birdies on the back nine, without any further blemishes, saw Emerson climb back up the leader board.

Parkstone-based Lee James, meanwhile, did well to recover from a nightmare start that saw him card a triple-bogey seven at the first as he dropped four shots on the first two holes.

Despite dropping further shots at the 10th and 11th, James hit back with birdies at the sixth, ninth, 12th, 14th and 18th holes for a creditable one-over-par 72 on the East Course and a share of 76th place.

Emerson and James will be looking to prosper on the comparatively easier West Course tomorrow.

Yeovil's Marcus Higley, playing on the West Course, carded a three-under-par 68, which included an eagle two on the 474-yard third hole, for a share of 13th place.