Maritz vs Jordaan tussle slated for Magaliespark

A David versus Goliath battle between KwaZulu-Natal’s Ronnie Maritz and Louis Jordaan from Ekurhuleni are on the cards in the B-Division at the Indwe Risk Services SA Senior Amateur Stroke Play Championship on Friday.

Maritz gathered 40 points off his eight handicap to lead the first round and collected 39 points in the second round to keep a firm grip on the reigns of the leaderboard at Magaliespark Country Club.

The 57-year-old Umhlali senior finished three points clear of Kempton Park’s Jordaan, who enjoyed successive rounds of 38 in the 54-hole Stableford competition.

At six-foot five, the long-limbed Jordaan towers over Maritz, who is relishing the match-up.

“I think Louis and I are going to have a great time out there,” said the diminutive leader, who stands just five-foot six in his socks.

“The guys are already calling us David and Goliath and The Long and The Short. It will certainly be interesting. Louis drives it miles further than me, so he will have a nice advantage off the tee, but I still fancy my chances.

“I’ve been striking the ball well and putting decently. Although I didn’t have a hot start, I hung in there over the front nine. I picked up a birdie at the 12th, but saw far more of the course than I planned on at 13 and 14 and ended double bogeys. I finished birdie-par, though, to keep myself in the lead.”

Jordaan was playing off a single handicap when he broke his wrist in 2002.

He only took up the game again when he moved from George to Kempton Park early this year.

“I started playing again in April,” the 54-year-old said.

“It took about three month to get my handicap down to 14 and I really enjoy competing again.

“I’ve enjoyed the last two days at Magaliespark. The course is quite tight, but I am pretty accurate with a three-wood and long irons off the tee, and that’s half the battle won.”

Jordaan is expecting a gritty opponent in the pocket-sized Maritz.

“Just because Ronnie can fit under my arm doesn’t make him the underdog,” Maritz said. “He is very confident and is striking the ball well, so I don’t underestimate him. It should be a great battle on Friday.”

Mark Granville from Limpopo also found some confidence on Thursday.

The 62-year-old player from Hans Merensky made just 24 points in the first round, but rallied with 38 points to vault into the top 15 in round two.

“I hit more greens and regulation and made more putts, but mostly I think it was the nerves that got to me on the first day,” Glanville said. “I was more confident and relaxed out there and just enjoyed myself. I hope I can improve even further in the final round.”

Meanwhile Barry Paul from Germiston Golf Club carded rounds of 35 and 39 to claim a share of third and take pole position on the Super Senior (over 60) leaderboard. Paul tied for third with fellow Ekurhuleni golfer, Ed Wallace, posted rounds of 39 and 35.

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Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the South African Golf Association.

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