‘ Nelson, ‘ Louis post ‘Goose bump’ 64s
BELA BELA, Limpopo: Playing in a series of tournaments celebrating the career of Retief Goosen was perfect inspiration for Prinavin Nelson and Louis de Jager to sign for opening 64s and lead the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Zebula Country Club yesterday.
Their eight-under-par returns put them one clear of Allan Versfeld and two ahead of Andrew Georgiou and Doug McGuigan.
Both Nelson and De Jager tried to apply the calm demeanour of Goosen during their rounds in the bushveld, where the pace is itself as relaxed as a Goosen smile.
“I’m not sure what happened today. It’s been awhile since I played well, so I’m very happy,” Nelson said after a bogey-free round in which he made six birdies through a nine-hole stretch.
“I’ve met Retief Goosen before and I just tried to adopt his attitude on the course. He’s very relaxed and calm, and doesn’t get upset,” added the young KZN professional.
De Jager has even further inspiration to try and follow in the footsteps of Goosen, coming from the same home town of Polokwane.
“You see what he’s achieved and it makes you want to work harder. I’ve played golf with him a few times, and he’s just so much more consistent and confident. It’s something I’ve been working on as well, and today it came off,” he said following a round where he chipped in for birdie on the parthree 17th.
It’s already a low-scoring start on a Zebula course where over half the field scored par or better on the first day, and where the quality of the greens has drawn praise from the professionals.
“Probably the best greens in the country at the moment,” was the enthusiastic response from McGuigan after his 66.
McGuigan’s putting was certainly the key to his round. But his improved performance on the greens has come at a cost.
He was doubtful of even teeing it up in the first round as he is battling with a severe lower back strain.
“I was really thinking I might not even play. But I’ve been stretching and had a massage, and the pain is still there, but it’s manageable. I think it’s from all the putting work I’ve been doing. Last week I did about seven hours of putting from four feet in two days, so I think that strained it.”