No smiles for SA in Ireland

Seven South Africans lined up for a tilt at the Irish Open, but by the time the tournament wrapped up the best that any of the group could manage was a share of 63rd.

Darren Fichardt and Jake Roos were the best-placed of the group after finishing at two over. By the end of the first round both shot rounds of 68, along with Justin Walters.

But it did not last, with Walters ending in a tie for 70th at six-over-par to be the only other South African to finish in the money.

Jbe Kruger, Branden Grace and Tjaart van der Walt all failed to make the cut while Hennie Otto managed a one-under-par first round before withdrawing.

Meanwhile, on the US PGA Tour, five South Africans lined up for the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands and it was Tyrone van Aswegen – now playing under the US flag – who led the way with a tie for 26th.

Retief Goosen was next best in a share of 51st, while Tim Clark and Trevor Immelman, who shot 78 after an opening 68, missed the cut. Louis Oosthuizen pulled out after his back injury flared up.

In the women’s US Open, Lee-Anne Pace was the only South African who made it into the weekend to eventually finish in a tie for 43rd at 13-over-par.

The layout at Pinehurst No 2 got the better of Ashleigh Simon and Nicole Garcia as both were cut after two rounds.