MALALANE, Mpumalanga – Scott Jamieson signed for a bogey-free course record nine-under-par 63 to earn himself a three-stroke lead heading into the weekend of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.
Finishing in the rain on the 18th on Friday, Jamieson played some of the best golf of his career in a tournament which he says is his favourite week of the year at he set the 36-hole lead at 13 under par.
“It was one of those days where almost everything clicked,” said the Scottish professional. “It’s a special place to hold the course record. It’s also always nice to do so bogey-free. I love playing golf here.”
Jamieson was on form with his putter and had two stretches on both nines where he went on a run of birdies.
“I got on a run in the middle of the front nine where I just kept holing every single putt and that was a nice feeling. To be five under on the front nine, I knew I was in really good shape. But you can’t rest on your laurels here. You’ve got to keep the pedal down and thankfully I was able to make more birdies on the back nine. I also holed some crucial par putts which kept the momentum on my side. And I drove it a lot better today. I made some good swings and hit my targets. We had some rain so the greens were a bit softer as well. It was a good day for me.”
Frenchman David Ravetto and the English duo of Nathan Kimsey and Eddie Pepperell are Jamieson’s nearest challengers on 10 under par. Kimsey actually equalled the course record of 64 shortly before Jamieson broke it. Ravetto posted his second consecutive 67 of the week to remain in contention, and Pepperell signed for a 65.
The South Africans who are lined up on nine under par include MJ Daffue, Dean Burmester, Oliver Bekker and Dylan Mostert.
Burmester is certainly hoping for a collective push from his countrymen on the weekend. “I’m definitely in position to strike and I think a lot of the South Africans have done that, so hopefully we can all rally and keep this leopard trophy at home.”
And Jamieson is ready for that challenge.
“It’s been a good first two rounds and it’s only halfway in this tournament, but it’s my favourite week of the year so I’m up for the challenge.” – Michael Vlismas
