'Cobra' Kamte relishing life after switch from football

By N.Ananthanarayanan

GURGAON, India (Reuters) - South Africa's James Kamte was enjoying a solid start to his rookie European Tour season after he shot a four-under 68 to be tied for third on the first day of the Johnnie Walker Classic on Thursday.

The 25-year-old is the first black South African player for over 20 years to earn full playing rights in Europe, vindicating his decision to switch sports from football to golf as a teenager.

"I just tried to do well with every shot I hit," Kamte said after his round played in ideal conditions. "I hit a lot of greens."

He was in an 11-player group headed by Australian world number five Adam Scott, who were one shot off the lead at the DLF Golf and Country Club course.

Kamte arrived in good form after a tie for third in this month's co-sanctioned Indonesian Open.

The stocky Kamte, nicknamed 'Cobra' from his days as a young and speedy striker, signed off with an eagle three on the ninth, his last hole.

The Johannesburg-based player said his love for individual sports, and more importantly, financial support from the foundation set up by fellow South African Ernie Els, helped him take up golf game seriously.

"It was a tough decision but in the end it was easy as I had more back-up on the golf side than in soccer," he told reporters. "Regrets? Not now. I'm delighted I chose to play golf."