Altin van der Merwe spent the festive season hitting golf balls on the beach and even putting in his room in a bid to keep his game sharp for the new year. And it’s paid off as he retained his lead going into the weekend of the SDC Open at the Zebula Golf Estate and Spa. MICHAEL VLISMAS reports.
Van der Merwe signed for a second round of 67 in which he finished with four straight birdies to climb to 11 under par overall in this Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour co-sanctioned event.
His nearest challengers are Nikhil Rama, Sebastien Gros and Jason Roets on 10 under par. Rama posted a 67 while Gros climbed through the field with a 65 and Roets signed for a sublime 63.
Van der Merwe spent his holiday break working to be in exactly this kind of position, and he’s determined to take advantage on the weekend.
“Look I felt nervous on the first tee shot of this tournament,” he said. “Then today was cut day and it’s like there’s something to play for on every day of the tournament.
“I haven’t been in this position much, but that’s when the practice kicks in.
“I had a pretty hectic break and didn’t allow myself much time off. I still went to the range or hit balls on the beach or was putting in the room. So I’m hoping for some good things to come.”
Van der Merwe knows exactly the opportunity that awaits on the weekend, especially in his rookie season on the Sunshine Tour. And after an uncertain start to his round on Friday, he found his momentum on those last four holes which he hopes to carry with him over the next two days.
“I’m very pleased with that finish. At the start I just couldn’t hit it close enough and was two-putting from 30 feet and more.”
An eagle on the par-five 18th helped to settle the nerves. Van der Merwe then made his only bogey of the week thus far on the 4th before his strong finish.
“The finish was incredible,” he said. “I didn’t actually realise it myself. I was just busy trying to not mess up my score. So I ended up going for four flags almost accidently and it paid off. Those four birdies at the end really helped my score.
“I’m pretty pleased to move forward from here. I’ll play more aggressive golf going forward.”
Photo: Carl Fourie/Sunshine Tour
