Frenchman David Ravetto birdied the last for an impressive 66 on a day dominated by wind and rain to lead the Dimension Data Pro-Am by a single stroke going into the weekend. MICHAEL VLISMAS reports.
Ravetto used every bit of the good fortune the draw allowed him in playing Fancourt’s more forgiving Outeniqua course on an incredibly challenging day as he climbed to 10 under par overall.
“It was a good day under the conditions,” he said. “I’m really happy. I had a good draw playing Outeniqua but I still played really solid golf. I made six birdies and an eagle so it was a really nice round.”
His nearest challenger is South Africa’s Louis Albertse on nine under following a 66 of his own on the Outeniqua.
And countryman Zander Lombard has positioned himself very well as he heads into the weekend just two shots off the lead – alongside Frenchman Pierre Pineau – after also posting a 66 on the Outeniqua.
“It was super tough out there,” said Lombard. “I think the gusts were up to 70km/h at least and it was absolutely pouring down. The rain sort of came and went but when it came, all of it was coming.
“It was brutal, and all-in-all in these conditions I’m very happy with my score. I’m happy with my game, the confidence is up, I’ve got no weaknesses so hopefully I can carry it into the weekend.”
The weather and the deluge of rain that fell throughout the day made for a long round for some in the field, especially those who had to also contend with the challenging Links course in their second round as part of the tournament’s format to rotate between Fancourt’s three courses.
Bryce Easton, the leader by two after the first round, was one of those to suffer as he signed for an 80 on the Links to drop to two under par overall.
Defending champion Oliver Bekker suffered a similar score and fate on the Links, ending the day on two over for the tournament.
Knowing exactly what to expect, Ravetto had a simple strategy for his round.
“I knew the conditions were going to be tough so when I arrived I said to myself just hang in there because you’re playing the easier of the three courses here, so just try make a couple of birdies and you’ll be fine at the end of the day.
“There was water on the greens and the course was a lot softer, but it also enabled us to be a lot more aggressive to the pins. The course staff did a really good job of getting the water off the greens and it was actually pretty good conditions for putting.”
Photo: Carl Fourie/Sunshine Tour
