Van der Walt banking on change in form at Affinity Cup

This week, Dawie van der Walt also needed a sponsor’s invitation into the event and was hoping for the same result.

After his breakthrough European Tour victory in the Tshwane Open in March, Van Der Walt had struggled for the majority of the season, missing a string of cuts after spraining his left ankle in July.

“This thing has been giving me so many problems with my game,” said Van Der Walt. “I stepped on a root again about a month ago and that worsened it. When I injured it the first time it was such a bad sprain that it almost looked like I broke it. I didn’t wait long enough before I came back.

“It’s frustrating considering how well I started the year, but that’s how things go I suppose.” Trying to compensate for the ankle had seriously disrupted Van Der Walt’s swing.

“I’ve been trying to change me stance and as a result am hitting the ball badly. I’ve been trying to protect the ankle during the swing.

“I’ve been having treatment from a physio and am working hard to get my game back because I’m on a downward spiral at the moment. I think I’ve hit rock bottom, so now would be a good time to turn it around.”

A strong field was gathered at Sun City for the event, including two former champions Fisher and Warren Abery.

Veteran European Tour campaigner James Kingston was looking for some inspiration ahead of the summer following a frustrating season on the European Tour.

Titch Moore, who had twice sacrificed a lead on the final day of a tournament this year, was due a win, while Dean Burmester was tied for the lead going into the final round of this event last year before surrendering to Fisher.

Jacques Blaauw, Jean Hugo and Ulrich van den Berg had all won on this year’s tour, while rookie professional Dylan Frittelli would be looking for his maiden Sunshine Tour victory.

– Sapa