IT WAS A Swedish affair at the SA Open at the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate today with Henrik Stenson leading as lightning interrupted play early.
His countryman Magnus A Carlsson finished second with an unconfirmed nine-under-par 135 and is tied with Thursday’s leader Merrick Bremner from South Africa, currently nine under par having played 32 holes.
Former world number four Stenson was pleased after sinking three consecutive birdies from holes 15 to 17, having teed off on the 10th.
“I made a little bit of a trembling start. I made five pars — nothing great the first couple of holes,” he said.
“That kind of jump started my day, those three birdies,” he added.
Still recovering from jet lag after his airplane only arrived in South Africa on Tuesday, he nevertheless birdied two more on the first and third to have five-under par after 12 holes.
“I went to bed at midnight last night, and woke up at 1:40 am, so I guess the body thought it was a bit of an afternoon kip,” he laughed. “I slept another couple of hours, so I don’t know what time of day it is, really.”
The Swede has used drivers effectively, a new tactic in his play this year.
“I’ve hit some really good tee balls, and on this course, if you can fly it 280 or 290 metres, then you can take a lot of bunkers out of play and end up going in with a gap wedge instead of a seven-iron. It’s a huge advantage – there are probably seven or eight holes where it makes a difference.”
Charl Schwartzel, 2011 Masters Champion, meanwhile still contends for the lead at the Jack Niklaus signature course in Ekurhuleni east from Johannesburg.
Plateau
The South African was six under par after playing 32 holes when heavy thunderstorms typical of the plateau rolled in. The area lies around 1,750 metres above sea level.
Norway’s Espen Kofstad was also on his heels, with five under par after 33 holes, and German Martin Kaymer, currently fifth in the Race to Dubai, four under par after 32 holes.
Play was suspended and will resume on Saturday 07:30 local time (0930 GMT), while the third round will tee off on two tees at 10:30.
