‘That was the most enjoyable round of golf I’ve played all year,’ said Jacques Kruyswijk after shooting 66 at Royal Cape Golf Club to lead the Lion of Africa Cape Town Open.
The 24-year-old played tactical in the second round, often choosing irons on the tee and staying patient in the breezy Western Cape. He was rewarded with eight birdies, an 11-under-par total, and a three-shot lead going into the weekend.
‘I played solid golf today, especially off the tee, and my short game was on point. It was definitely tougher today than in the first round, the wind was up and the greens were firmer,’ he said.
Kruyswijk has been in contention a few times this season most recently finishing second at the Origins of Golf tournament at Euphoria Golf Estate.
‘I’ve been working hard to arrive at tournaments and be ready to contend,’ he said. ‘There’s a lot of golf still to be played. It’s on to the weekend now and I’m feeling confident, well prepared, and I’m really looking forward to it.’
This week’s R1.5-million tournament has launched the career of many past champions, including 2015 winner Brandon Stone, who has since won on the European Tour and played in the DP World Tour Championship.
Stone salvaged a round of 70 on Friday with closing birdies at the 16th and 18th thereby securing himself at eight under par halfway through the tournament.
He was joined in second place by Justin Harding, who had a flawless back nine of 33 strokes to make the clubhouse with a chance at the weekend.
‘I looked at the scoreboard and nobody was running away with it. It was quite challenging out there, so I was happy to get myself into the picture,’ Harding said. ‘I’m hoping for a good weekend, I feel like Sunday owes me!’
