Moralee living the dream at BMW SA Open
Not even a balky putter could put a damper on Cameron Moralee’s delight at rubbing shoulders with leading Sunshine and European Tour professionals on day three at the BMW SA Open proudly hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni.
The 17-year-old Dainfern player was one of a nine-strong amateur pack that started the country’s flagship event at Glendower Golf Club, but Moralee was the sole survivor after the 36-hole cut fell at two-over-par 146.
“This is a dream come true for me,” said the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation player, who even upstaged founder Ernie Els to reach the weekend.
Moralee opened with a three under 69 and added a 71 on Friday morning when the suspended second round resumed to finish at four under 140.
For his efforts Moralee will be at the prize giving on Sunday to receive the Freddie Tait Cup as the leading amateur in this year’s championship, but the young gun’s thoughts are on putters, not trophies just yet.
“I just want to finish the tournament in red numbers,” said Moralee, who finished 12 holes when play was called off on Saturday and was still on four under.
The Southern Cape player bogeyed the first and the fourth holes – both par fours – but negated the damage with back-to-back birdies at eight and nine.
“It was just an up-and-down round, especially with the putter,” he said.
“”It felt as if I just couldn’t see the lines. I holed a couple of long putts to save par, but I had too many three-putts and missed the short ones that would have counted.
“I guess it could be the relief of actually reaching the weekend, but I was happy get those birdies before the turn to get myself back to four under. I had three solid pars before the hooter blew, so hopefully I can get the putter warmed up for Sunday.”
Moralee will start the fourth day six back from joint leaders Brandon Stone from South Africa and England’s Daniel Brooks.
AMATEUR RESULTS
140 – Cameron Moralee 69 71
149 – David Meyers 71 78
150 – Herman Loubser 74 76, Tristen Strydom 78 72, Teaghan Gauche 75 75
153 – Albert Venter 74 79
155 – Daniel Young SCO AMA
156 – Jade Buitendag AMA 74 82
164 – Andre Nel AMA 81 83
Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the South African Golf Association.