ALASTAIR FORSYTH blasted his best round in four years in the Joburg Open as he teed-up the chance of a notable double in South Africa.

The Paisley ace's seven-under 64 over Royal Johannesburg's West Course gave him a share of the lead as he chases a third victory on the European Tour.

And Forsyth also thrust himself into contention for a place in July's Open Championship as one of the highest finishers at the conclusion of this week's contest.

The leading three players in the top-10, who are not already exempt into the Hoylake showpiece, will earn an Open tee-time as part of the Royal & Ancient's new qualifying series.

Forsyth got his bid for the potential pots of gold on offer in the Rainbow Nation off to a flying start with a rampaging front nine which he covered in just 30 shots.

The former Scottish PGA champ picked up his seventh birdie of the day on the 15th as he finished in a share of the lead with fellow Scot, Craig Lee, host country hopeful Justin Walters and former Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari.

The last time Forsyth shot a 64 was in the opening round of the Joburg Open in 2010 - and missed the cut after a second round 76.

Forsyth, 38, said: "The front nine was probably as good as I've played in a long time. I seemed to do everything right on the front nine, but I struggled a little on the back, where I ended up between clubs a few times.

"But no dropped shots and seven birdies, so I'm never going to complain with that."

Scott Jamieson had a 67 on the West Course while fellow Glasgow man Marc Warren had a level-par 72 on the neighbouring East Course. Clydebank's Scott Henry posted a level-par 71 on the West.

Meanwhile, Stirling golfer Lee set his sights on a maiden appearance in a major after shooting a seven-under 65 on the trickier East Course.