Golf Update: Charl Schwartzel shines at the Joburg Open.
Charl Schwartzel struck back at the Joburg Open after posting a 13 under in the second round and sharing the clubhouse lead at the Joburg Open today. Being at world number 32, Schwartzel, the highest ranked player in the field, is sharing the lead with Englishman
Jamie Elson and South African Garthy Mulroy. After posting ten birdies, Charl established a course record at 10-under 62.
Giving a disappoint performance in the first round, Charl made sure to gear up his defence as he did win the event last year. Yesterday, he posted a 68 on the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club’s East Course. With the East course being harder out
of the two, Charl took out all his frustration at the relatively easier West Course today. Schwartzel carded five birdies on the front and the back nine. As for the other two leaders of the day, Elson and Mulroy carded 64’s on the East course and further enhanced
the 65’s they shot yesterday.
The English player Jamie almost lost his tour player card last year but doing well in this event might just change how things have been for the player. Having a bogey less round today, Elson will need to work extra hard to attain this win. Facing the golfing
legend, Charl in the weekend rounds won’t be easy with the Schwartzel is going.
Elson posted 65 in the first round and really fired up the West course today as he carded five straight birdies from the fifth. After Jamie picked a shot at the eleventh, the play was suspended for two hours due to weather. Making a birdie on the eighteenth
hole, the player finished at seven under and hence tied with Charl.
Following the opening round, the Joburg Open was left in control of the home players. South African players, Martin Maritz and Tyrone Mordt did play decently but slipped from the lead however. Tyrone managed to finish tied for fourth place after posting
two bogeys and five birdies today. Tyrone is tied with Thomas Aiken and James Kingston. As for Maritz posting four bogeys today, he is sharing seventh place with Branden Grace.
Communally sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and the European Tour, the Joburg Open is the last event in the South African leg of the European Tour. Day by day, the competition between the players is heating up. The third round of the Joburg Open will tee
off tomorrow.
Tags: