While McIlroy was paired with Matthews and Moul on Tuesday morning there appears little doubt that he will tee up alongside his fellow-Ulsterman Jonathan Caldwell come Saturday.

BBC: McIlroy magnetism

Schwartzel, who averages around 300 yards a time off the tee over the past three years according to the Reuters Stats, throttled back a little on the tight, parkland track which borders the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | European Tour stats attack

Guan said he watched a little television Wednesday night and after a good sleep had only slight nerves as he approached the first tee.

WSJ: Guan Tianlang: A Schoolboy Steals Day One of the Masters