Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Hot-shot Charl leads SA Open
CHARL Schwartzel is still trying to figure out “golf” after a challenging year, but he’ll be more than happy with his position at the top of the leaderboard after the second round of the SA Open at Randpark Golf Club yesterday.
The former Masters champion was at his brilliant best, shooting an eightunder-par 63 to go with his opening round four-under 67 on Thursday to lead by one stroke at 12-under-par.
In second place, and breathing down Schwartzel’s neck, is Zambia’s Madalitso Muthiya, who’s at 11 under after rounds of 63 and 68.
Schwartzel’s round, in windy conditions, stood head and shoulders above the rest. He drove the ball brilliantly and made six birdies without dropping a shot before he got to the par-five 17th on the Bushwillow course and then pitched in with a lob wedge from 70 metres out for an eagle three to cap a brilliant round.
“I’m still trying to figure out this little thing called ‘golf’,” said Schwartzel after his round. “There have been a few tournaments this year where I have played this well. I drove it well again today, but there is still lots of golf to be played.
“I’m excited about where I am though. It’s always nice to be in contention. It’s nice to feel I’m playing well and looking forward to it. I’d love to win this one, after coming close on a few occasions. I’ve given myself a chance.”
Right in the mix as well is Muthiya, who made six birdies on the Firethorn course, but also a bogey and double bogey. “I’ve played consistently and that’s always a good thing,” said the man who learnt to play golf with his brother in Lusaka.
“I was pleased to keep things going after that double bogey (on the parfour 13th) with a few birdies. I hit some key irons in close and putted well. I also made a long par putt at the tough par-three 17th and an up and down from the bunker at the 18th.”
He added he was comfortable being among the front runners, having also been in contention in the past on the Web.com/Nationwide Tour in the USA.
“I’m not surprised that I’m in this position. I’ve been building towards this, it’s been coming,” said the 35-year-old who played college golf for the University of New Mexico before turning professional in 2005.
“I’ve been in contention before ... I finished first in US Open sectional qualifying, and played in the final group on the Web.com Tour in Mexico and Pennsylvania in 2010.
“I feel good where I am right now. I’ve put myself in position and believe the tournament only starts now. Mentally I’m in the right place. I must now just block everything out and focus on playing my game.”
Three players are tied for third at 10 under going into the third round – Kurt Kitayama of the US and South Africans Zander Lombard and Louis Oosthuizen, who couldn’t create the same magic on the Firethorn course like he did on Bushwillow on Thursday. He followed up his opening nine-under 62 with a 70 yesterday.
Just four shots back at eight under are Branden Grace and Matt Wallace, while five-time winner, Ernie Els, is at five under after a second round 70.
With all the players having played a round each on the two courses, the final two rounds will be contested only on Firethorn.