More than a dozen South Africans teed off on Thursday at the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event on the European Tour, and here’s how they fared.
Dean Burmester -6
Out on level par 35 before coming home with four birdies and an eagle in his final seven holes. That’s impressive from the player known for going (really) low when he gets hot. Roll on Friday…
Darren Fichardt -6
Waited ages for company at the top of the leaderboard. Managed to get three birdies on either side of his card and got tied at the top despite a par at the last. With plenty of experience, Fichardt will be looking to bank a big cheque after a strong opening round.
Branden Grace -3
Right where he wants to be after 18 holes. Not a great round, not a bad one as he almost holed out for an albatross on the last. Cut out the double and a bogey from today, and he’s likely to be in the late starters on Saturday.
Trevor Immelman -1
Wonderful to see Trevor swinging it smoothly again. Twice got to three under but twice went drop, drop. Immelman will be looking for a smooth ride into the weekend.
Dylan Frittelli -1
Needed a two-putt birdie on the 18th to dip under par so not exactly what he was looking for. Then again, you can’t win a big event on Thursday but you can certainly lose it.
Erik van Rooyen -1 (10)
Late starter so look for an update on the site later but after opening with a bogey, Van Rooyen has worked his way under par and will be looking to finish well.
Thomas Aiken E
Two birdies, two bogeys and right on the cut line. A big Friday looms for Aiken, who is playing himself into some good form of late.
Jacques Kruyswijk E (7)
The last group out so there’s some way to go for the big-hitting Pretoria golfer. Unfortunately gave his first gain of the day away at the very next hole.
Brandon Stone E (15)
What a difference the back nine makes. Stone went out in 39 and is looking unlikely at best to make the weekend but then it all clicked as he made four birdies in five holes. With two par fives to finish, Stone could very well be pleased with his day.
Haydn Porteous +2
Has plenty of work to do after his two birdies were matched with four drops.
Ernie Els +3
Had to wait until the 17th for his first birdie. Uphill battle if he wants to make the cut…
George Coetzee +3
Was level through five but had two birdies at that stage. Not the type of round Coetzee has been delivering recently.
Richard Sterne +4
Little chance of making the cut.
Zander Lombard +6
Will need something special if he wants to bank some money this week.
