Shaun Norris fired a bogey-free, 8-under 64 to reach 13-under and take the lead at the Investec South African Open Championship. Norris played 27 holes on Friday and made twelve birdies and no bogeys.
“It was a nice build-up from this morning. I finished off nicely from the morning round and carried on this afternoon,” said Norris.
“I’m hitting the ball nicely so I’m putting myself in good positions, just looking at birdies all the time. And the short game has been strong. So I’m looking forward to the next couple of days.
“Any National Open is the most important to anybody so to stamp my name on that trophy would be an absolute blessing.”
Fellow South African Dylan Naidoo lies in second place at 13-under after closing with a 61 featuring an eagle at the par-5 8th as well as one bogey.
Overnight co-leader Sam Bairstow of England is down in third place at 11-under and currently 4-under through eight holes.
South African Darren Fichardt who shared the overnight lead closed with a 70 and shares third place alongside compatriot Branden Grace and Italy’s Andrea Pavan who shot rounds of 68 and 66 respectively.
Sweden’s Fredrik From also started the day with a share of the lead and currently lies in T9 at 9-under, 2-under through eight holes.
England’s Dale Whitnell aced the par-3s 2nd and 12th on Friday. He made the turn in 9-under-par 63 having made another eagle at the par-5 3rd, a bogey at the 7th and two birdies. His back nine featured four birdies, a bogey and a double bogey at the par-16th as well as the ace for a 63 and a share of 9th place.
The second round was suspended at 18:21 due to darkness. Play will restart at 07:30 on Saturday.
