Henrik Stenson leads South African Open
Henrik Stenson fired a magnificent bogey free round on Friday to lead the South African Open by four shots. The Swede carded a seven-under on a day when the weather had its fair share as well.
The weather forced the play to stop and then abandoned for the day at Serengeti Golf Club. There was a thunderstorm and heavy rain drops poured down, which forced the authorities to call it a day on Friday.
Luckily for Stenson, he was out early on the course. So he was able to finish his second round in time. At the moment, the Swede has secured the club house lead with a 13-under for the 36 hole.
"The way I played, I've had plenty of chances and I could have been three or four shots better," said Stenson. "But that's the same with everyone and I'm not going to be complaining about 13 under".
Many big names were left stranded in the thunderstorm, including the likes of the 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, former world number one Martin Kaymer and the current world number 39 Brendan Grace.
All of them will resume their second rounds early on Saturday to make up for the suspended second round.
Stenson’s nearest rival at the South African Open is Merrick Bremner and Magnus Carlsson. Carlsson shot a 67 on Friday.
Stenson was in superb form, carding five birdies and an eagle. The Swede’s three consecutive birdies on the 15th, 16th, and the 17th hole would have given him a major boost, as he sits comfortably a top of leaderboard.
"I played really nicely yesterday and then when I came out, I didn't feel great on the range this morning and the first few holes were so-so," Stenson said.
"I had a couple of in-between chances on a few of the holes there and some great fireworks on the eighth, two great shots. I've hit probably more drives in the past two days than I have probably all season".
Stenson is seeking his first win of the season and if he wins at the Serengeti Club then this would be the seventh European Tour victory of his career.
The Swede is also vying for a spot for the World Tour Championship. The 36-year-old is currently 59th in The Race to Dubai and only the top 60 go on to play in the Championship.
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