Bezuidenhout takes charge at WP Stroke Play

His pursuers may well be playing for second place in the Western Province Stroke Play Championship after defending champion Christiaan Theo Bezuidenhout Consulting put considerable space between himself and the chasing field on Tuesday.

Already a two-time winner this season, Bezuidenhout came into his title defence at Milnerton Golf Links in magnificent form after leading South Africa to a successful title defence in the Africa Zone VI Golf Tournament in Stellenbosch on Friday.

The 19-year-old Ekurhuleni player took advantage of the sunny conditions to fire an opening three-under-par 68 and shared the lead with unheralded namesake, Theunie Bezuidenhout, from Rustenburg.

However, the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation member lived up to his number one billing when he carved out a seven shot lead at the Atlantic Seaboard course with a sizzling six-under-par 65,setting the target at nine-under-par 133.

Boland teenager, Herman Loubser, lags a distant second at 140 after round of 69 and 71.

Playing with the country’s top ranked amateur could be all the inspiration the reigning Nomads SA Boys U-15 champion needs.

The 14-year-old made quite an impression recently at the Nomads SA Boys U-19 Championship at Royal Durban, though, where he tied for eighth in the Stroke Play and reached the semi-finals of the Match Play.

Meanwhile Theunie Bezuidenhout reduced the damage of five bogeys with three birdies for a 73 to finish alone in third on 141.

He leads by one from local favourites, Roy Winton and Luca Filippi, who tied on even-par 142 after respective rounds of 69 and 70.