Richard McEvoy believes he played some of his best golf at the Joburg Open since winning the Scottish Hydro Challenge

McEvoy finished the first round of the South African course in just 66 shots.

And the Shoebury-born professional golfer was pleased to return to the form he showed as he came out on top in the Scottish Hydro Challenge in July.

McEvoy, 38, said: “I couldn’t really have done much better than I did on the first day.

“I finished it in 66 shots and I think I played some of the best golf since I won in Scotland earlier this year.

“It was very pleasing that I played that kind of golf.”

But the professional golfer, who was competing in the final PGA European Tour event of the year, was disappointed that he failed to build upon his impressive start.

“In the end, I think it was a week of missed opportunities,” added McEvoy.

“I played some nice, solid golf but didn’t make the most of it on the green.

“But I have now had two solid weeks and it is nice to go into the Christmas break on the back of those two events.”

McEvoy is unsure when he will next make an appearance on the European Tour.

The next event will also be held in South Africa, with the BMW SA Open getting underway on January 11.

But McEvoy insists that he will continue to practice in case he receives a late call-up to future competitions.

McEvoy confirmed: “It will be good to have a nice break with the family over Christmas and new year. I’m looking forward to being at home with the kids and having some time off.

“I will get back into it in the new year but I don’t know when my next event will be.

“I could go to South Africa for the BMW SA Open in the second week of January, but I’m not sure at the moment.

“I’m waiting to find out what I’ll get in to.

“I will prepare for each week in case I get a late call.

“If I don’t go to the BMW SA Open I can stay at home, which will be nice, but I also want to be playing and competing.

“I will definitely be having a break over Christmas though and just enjoy that time with the family.”