Coert Groenewald dominated the greens at Wingate Park Country Club, reeling in half a dozen birdies to take pole position in the weather-interrupted second round at the ninth IGT Tour Race to Q-School series on Tuesday December 9.
Groenewald was one of only three players to hand in a clean card and his flawless six-under-par 66 lifted him to a three-stroke lead on nine under 135.
Pretoria amateur Ross Sinclair moved to second after signing for a colourful 69 that included an eagle, five bogeys and six birdies. Birthday boy Rae Mackie fired a flawless 69 to move to five under after a flawless 69.
Meanwhile, reigning Sanlam SA Women’s Amateur champion Carrie Park carved out a blemish-free 72 with 18 successive pars for a share of 23rd on four over 148.
Groenewald is no stranger to the top of the leaderboard or the winner’s circle.
He won three times on the country’s premier development Tour as an amateur in the 2012 season, and claimed victories in the IGT Tour’s Winter Challenge at Glendower and Wingate Park last year.
However, victory has eluded the 23-year-old Roodepoort professional this season, despite having notched 12 top ten places, including three third place and two runner-up finishes.
Groenewald is planning a return trip to the Sunshine Tour’s Qualifying School in January after missing his card by two shots earlier this season.
“It was a tough break, but again, you just regroup and I’ve worked really hard this year to be ready for the next trip to Bloemfontein. I feel more confident this time around and at least I know how tough it can be, so I’m more than ready this time.”
