McGowan, whose best previous result on the Tour was fifth at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in 2007, fired seven birdies at The Vines Resort and Country Club.

BBC: English pair share lead in Perth

Schwartzel, the Joburg champion in 2010 and 2011, is looking for his third successive title after December victories at the Asian Tour's Thailand Open and the co-sanctioned Alfred Dunhill Championship held in Malalane near Kruger National Park.

CNN: Fisher fighting nerves at Joburg Open

Two players have shot a 62 on the Old Course - Curtis Strange during the old Alfred Dunhill Cup in 1987 and Brian Davis in the Dunhill Links Championship in 2003.

BBC: The Open 2010: Rory McIlroy delighted with record round