KEMPTON PARK, Ekurhuleni – It’s already been a watershed season for Kyle Barker, and it’s one he’s hoping to end on a high as he takes a one-stroke lead into the weekend of the season-ending Tour Championship delivered by The Courier Guy at Serengeti Estates.
Barker produced the joint low round of the day in this exclusive 43-man field on Friday – a seven-under-par 65 – to lead the field on nine under par overall. Only Stefan Wears-Taylor matched his 65 on Friday, but he heads into the weekend on one over par.
After breaking through with his maiden Sunshine Tour title in the Stella Artois Players Championship early in 2023, Barker went into the new season full of confidence and claimed his second title in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Western Cape.
He came into this week at Serengeti ranked 15th on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit delivered by The Courier Guy, the highest ranking of his career.
It’s been a confident season for Barker including four top-10s and one where he played in his first Major championship in last year Open at Hoylake.
Just one shot behind him, it’s been an equally memorable season for Broomhead.
The KwaZulu-Natal professional is challenging for a maiden title in his rookie season on the Sunshine Tour and started the season with an eight-place finish in the FBC Zimbabwe Open. He’s had a further five top-10s and came close to victory when he led the Gary and Vivienne Player Challenge before finishing 12th there.
Broomhead is currently third on the Fortress Rookie of the Season standings, with Robin Williams heading the way there.
In joint third place on six under is the experienced group of Darren Fichardt, who is looking to become the first double winner of the Tour Championship following his victory in 2018, Rupert Kaminski, Neil Schietekat and Wilco Nienaber.
Casey Jarvis, who finished second last year, could also still have a say on the weekend at just four shots off the lead. – Michael Vlismas.
