Sam Bairstow made a single bogey and closed with a 7-under 65 to take a share of the lead at the Investec South African Open Championship. Play was suspended overnight due to darkness after heavy rain caused a three hour delay as areas of the course were submerged in the morning.
“I putted really nicely,” said the Englishman. “I hit a few wedges close and then holed a few putts. It was just a good day.
“Yesterday, walking down the 16th I thought there was going to be no chance (of playing on Thursday morning) but credit to the green staff for the work they’ve done and getting it playable.”
South African Darren Fichardt signed for a bogey-free round while Sweden’s Fredrik From made wo eagles, at the par-5s 3rd and 10th, and produced one bogey for their share of the lead.
“The two eagles, I hit both of them quite stiff so it was not too much work,” said From.
“I putted OK and played pretty good. The driver was working nicely. It’s the kind of golf course where you need to hit driver to get yourself opportunities.
“It feels like I’m representing both (the Swedish and South African) flags, to be honest. It would be lovely (to be up there on Sunday).”
Five players are tied in fourth place at 6-under including England’s Todd Clements who produced eight birdies, including four in a row from the 6th, as well as two back-to-back bogeys from the 16th. Also in fourth place is Scotland’s Richie Ramsay who remained bogey-free.
