Du Plessis makes a move in Argentina
The torrential rain finally let up on Saturday afternoon, allowing South African amateurs Drikus Bruyns and CJ du Plessis to continue their bid for the Juan Carlos Tailhade Cup title in Argentina.
Inclement weather at the Los Lagartos Country Club outside Buenos Aires forced organisers to suspend the second round on Friday when more than 40 millimetres of rain was recorded, leaving various bunkers flooded and several fairways waterlogged.
Although action resumed late on Friday, play had to be called off due to failing light and the competitors had another long wait in the club house as the showers continued on Saturday morning.
Play finally got underway after lunch and Du Plessis coped well with the interruptions.
The country’s number five ranked amateur improved by two shots on his opening 75 and launched from 43rd to a tie for 19th on six over 148. The Limpopo amateur trails pacesetter Joshua Munn by 10 strokes after the New Zealander hit the front with a 71.
Bruyns began the second round two off the pace after an opening 69, but the Boland amateur slipped to a tie for eighth after a four over 75 in the twice-suspended second round.
The South African pair did, however, slightly improve their position in the International Team Competition, which runs concurrently with the Individual Tournament.
First round leaders Ireland maintained their stronghold at the top with a second successive team total of 141. The Irish pair lead on 282, five shots clear of New Zealand and 10 shots ahead of Bruyns and Du Plessis, who share fourth place with Spain on 292.
As soon as the cut to 50 and ties was made, the third round teed off, however darkness forced play to be suspended again. Competitors will resume the third round on Sunday morning, followed immediately by the final round.
Tournament Director and Head of Rules and Championships for the Argentina Golf Association, Daniel Vizzolini, is confident that the 72-hole event can be completed on Sunday.
“We knew this weather was in the forecast, but fortunately it is set to improve and we will complete 72 holes on Sunday,” said Vizzolini.