van Wyk shares the lead

Nico van Wyk, recorded a 65, five under par, to share the lead in the New Zealand Stroke Play ChampionshipNicol van Wyk recorded a second round 65, five under par, to finish with a 36 hole total of 136, four under par, and a share of the lead at the halfway stage in the New Zealand Stroke Play Championship.

The 72 hole championship is being played at the Titirangi Golf Club in Auckland.

Chan Young Chun, just 15 years of age, went one better than van Wyk, recording a 64, six under par, today. The young Wellington based New Zealander shares the lead with the 24 year Western Province and Durbanville Golf Club player.

Van Wyk went out in 31, recording five birdies in the process. He recorded a further two on the back nine along with two bogeys.

Both van Wyk and Chung defied the difficult weather conditions, created by strong gusting winds, to record the two low rounds of the day.

The Western Province player is now ideally positioned to follow in the footsteps of another South African, Andrew McClardy, who is now a successful professional. McClardy won this championship back in 1996.

Other South Africans participating struggled in the difficult conditions.

Adrian Ford recorded another 73 giving him a 36 hole total of 146 and a share of 31st place. “He had three birdies and six bogeys today,” said Enver Hassen, South African Golf Association President and Team Manager. “Ford said after his round that his putter went cold on him,” said Hassen.

Dean O’Riley (75) also finished on 146. The No.1 player on the SAGA’s Player Rankings had a horrible 9 on the par 4 15th. “Dean was really disappointed after his round. Not only did he drop 5 shots on one hole but he also missed no less than 5 one metre putts,” said Hassen.

Steve Ferreira played a bit better today, going two better than yesterday, finishing with a three over par 73 and a 36 hole total of 148. “He said after his round that he had struggled around the greens,” explained Hassen. Ferreira recorded two birdies and five bogeys in his round.

The 36 hole cut was set at 151, eleven over par, 73 players making it through to the final two rounds, which will be played on Friday and Saturday.

The four South Africans will be playing for a place in the New Zealand Amateur Championship, a match play event, which commences on Sunday, at the same venue. To get there they must finish in the top 32 places in the New Zealand Stroke Play Championship.

New Zealand Stroke Play Championship
Second Round Results: Leading Scores

Titirangi Golf Club (Par 70: 36 holes 140)
(All players New Zealanders unless stated otherwise)

136 – Chan Young Chun (72,64), Nicol van Wyk (RSA) (71,65)
138 – Mathew Perry (67,71)
139 – Bryden Macpherson (AUS) (72,67), Ben Taylor (67,72)
140 – Travis O’Connell (72,68)
141 – Scott Arnold (AUS) (70,71), Sam An (69,72)

South African players scores:
146 – Adrian Ford (73,73), Dean O’Riley (71,75)
148 – Steve Ferreira (75,73)

Posted in