JC in Ritchie form at Jonsson Workwear Open

IT was another flawless day for 28-yearold JC Ritchie during the second round of the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour and European Challenge Tour $250 000 Jonsson Workwear Open at the Durban Country Club and the Mount Edgecombe Country Club yesterday.

After posting nine-under-par 61 at Mount Edgecombe Country Club for a first round two-stroke lead, the Els Club Copperleaf professional set about South Africa’s “Grand Old Lady” with another sublime performance.

He finished off with a nine-under-par 63 to be on 124 – 18-under-par for the championship.

He is six shots ahead of JBE Kruger, who signed for a six-under 66 to go with his opening round 64 at Mount Edgecombe on Day 1.

“The golf is feeling really amazing and my swing is in a really good place at the moment. I’m happy with where I’m at the moment. My mental game is in a really nice place as well,” Ritchie said yesterday.

Belgium’s Christopher Mivis and Sweden’s Adam Blomme moved into a tie for third place after two rounds. Mivis fired a seven-under-par 65 while Blomme came in with a two-under 70, seven shots behind Ritchie.

Rupert Kaminski, who was in second spot on the opening day, did not come to grips with the Durban Country Club layout. He came in with a two-under-par 70 and is nine shots behind the leader. He dropped to fifth place on the leaderboard.

Ritchie, winner of the Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open, has sent out a clear message to those challenging him for the Jonsson Workwear Open that he means business in securing his second title in two weeks and thus moving towards the top of the Race to Mallorca leaderboard.

Ritchie has had a look around Durban Country Club, especially the honour’s board, and has seen some big names on it. He is aiming to put his name alongside those of Gary Player, Wayne Westner, Ernie Els, Tim Clark & Co.

He concluded: “There have been some big events here and there are some big names on the honour’s list and for me to put my name up there with them would be really special to me.”