Clark was simply delighted when he finished in a top-four tie of the Race to the USA: Modderfontein tournament.
He navigated his way to a four-under-par 68 at Modderfontein Golf Club to join John McClean, Michael Scholz and Jacques de Villiers in pole position.
The tour was launched in 2010 and has grown into South Africa’s premier developmental golf tour, offering a tailor-made gateway for amateurs aspiring to join the pro ranks.
Clark, who lost his Sunshine Tour playing privileges at the end of 2010 enjoys campaigning on the country’s premier development tour.
“I have a card for the Big Easy Tour, but because I work full-time at The ProShop in Woodmead, I can’t get away all that often to compete,” said Clark.
“I don’t have the funds to compete full-time to get my card back, so until that happens, I keep my hand in it on the IGT Tour. I am far too competitive for social golf, so the IGT Tour gives me the environment I crave to stay competitive and keep my game in shape.”
Clark also said he drew on the fond memories of a 2008 amateur win at Modderfontein to get himself in contention for this tournament.
“I beat Dylan Frittelli here in a play-off for the Gauteng North Amateur Open title and I’ve always loved this layout,” he said. “The course suits my game and my eye. I had a really solid round, too.”
Clark knocked in four straight birdies after the opening hole, and cancelled a three-putt bogey at the sixth with a birdie at the par-four eighth. He traded a bogey at the 12th for a birdie at the closing hole.
“Although I had three three-putts, the putter was on song and if I could putt this way all the time, I would die a happy man,” he said.
Clark said he did not give himself enough chances on the back nine, but he was still quite content with how he came through the round. “It’s nice to be in contention and it’s going to be interesting to see how I handle the pressure of playing in the lead in the final round,” he explained.
“No matter how it pans out, though, it’s just great to be competing.”
