Swanepoel Sets a Target

PAARL (6 February 2008) – A second round two-over-par 74 saw Stephen Swanepoel take the early clubhouse lead in the SA Amateur Stroke Play at Pearl Valley Golf Estates.

he Strand golfer shot a superb one-under-par 71 in the first round for a two-round total of 145. On Wednesday morning Swanepoel went out in level par 36 and back in two-over par 38.

He leads Leon-Brink Knoll by a stroke, with the Gauteng North golfer signing for four-over-par 76 to add to his opening round 70. This two-round total of 146 is one better than Jake Redman and Jacques Blaauw who are on 147.Redman imploded on Wednesday with a six-over-par 78, following his superb opening round of 69, while Blaauw improved on his first round 74 with a one-over-par 73.

Two-under-par 70s from Riekus Nortjie and Lyle Rowe were the best scores of the morning field. Nortjie bounced back from a first round 81, while Rowe turned his fortunes around after an opening round 79.

“I really enjoyed it out there,” said Swanepoel who rushed off to Stellenbosch University shortly after his round to attend lectures. “With the tee boxes brought forward I’ve just been hitting three woods and two irons, which is great.

”The field of 106 golfers will be cut this afternoon, with the leading 65 players and ties advancing to the final two rounds.