JG Claassen still in the hunt in Argentina

JG Claassen moved into the second round of the 114th Argentina Amateur Championship match play yesterday with a 4 and 2 victory over local player Santiago Buani, taking place at the Buenos Aires Golf Club in the capital city.

Not so lucky was Ryan Dreyer, the only other South African in the match play field. He took on Carlos Pigem of Spain and lost 4 and 2.

The match play field of 64 players was made up of the top 64 players participating in the 36 hole stroke play qualifying round that concluded on Wednesday.

Julian Lerda, of Argentina, and Benedict Staben, of Germany, both finished on 136, eight under par, were the leaders ending up two shots clear of the field.

Ryan Dreyer, 37 year old Killarney Golf Club and Central Gauteng amateur, finished nine shots adrift of the leaders in 21st place, with a 36 hole total of 145, one over par, tied with five other players.

JG Claassen, 18 year old Orkney Golf Club member in the North West Province, finished tied in 29th place two shots adrift of Dreyer.

The second and third rounds of the match play are played today (Friday). The final over 36 holes will be played on Sunday.

114th Argentina Amateur Championship

Venue: Buenos Aires G.C. (par 72)

36 hole Qualifying: Final Results (leaders)

136 – Benedict Staben (GER) (67,69), Julian Lerda (ARG) (65,71)

138 – Ignacio Elvira (ESP) (69,69), Ross Kellett (SCO) (69,69)

140 – Anders Kristiansen (NOR) (70,70), John Allen (GER) (68,72)

142 – Jose Maria Joia (POR) (70,72)

South African Scores:

145 – Ryan Dreyer (70,75)

147 – JG Claassen (73,74)

Match Play First Round (SA Players only)

Ryan Dreyer lost to Carlos Pigem (ESP) 4 and 2

JG Claassen beat Santiago Bauni (ARG) 4 and 2