Jaco Ahlers’ love for the Tour Championship and Serengeti Estates was clear to see as he opened with a six-under-par 66 to guide the primary spherical of this Sunshine Tour season-ending event by a single stroke on Thursday.
Ahlers didn’t drop a single shot on a windy opening day and with some powerful pin placements to check this area of the main obtainable professionals inside the high 50 on the Sunshine Tour’s Luno Order of Merit.
ALSO READ: Major golf in 2023: When are they and who can play?
Trio chasing Ahlers
The trio of Casey Jarvis, Keenan Davidse and JJ Senekal are one shot behind him. Jarvis is once more looking a maiden Sunshine Tour title in his rookie season, and fewer than per week after taking pictures solely the second 59 in Sunshine Tour historical past.
ALSO READ: Sunshine Tour: Who will money in on golden alternatives?
It’s been a busy season for Ahlers as he’s divided his time between the Sunshine Tour and Asia, and he’d love nothing greater than to say a victory at Serengeti this week.
“I didn’t play much in South Africa, but I finished third in the SDC Championship which secured my place in this field. This is a tournament I just love and want to win, so this is a good start,” Ahlers mentioned.
ALSO READ: Strydom into The Open and US PGA this season
“It’s a good golf course. The wind was blowing and there were a few tough pin placements, but the course was also soft which helps with the scoring. I’m really happy I didn’t make a bogey.”
Jarvis chasing win, rookie award
Behind him, Jarvis is as soon as once more close to the highest of the leaderboard in what has been a stellar rookie season on the Sunshine Tour the place he’s challenged for a maiden title on a number of events.
“I’m getting more comfortable in this position now and just want to keep learning. I didn’t think I’d be here playing in a Tour Championship in my rookie season and I’m really proud of myself for achieving that,” he mentioned.
“There was a bit of wind the whole day – probably about a club-and-a-half. I played well. I struggled a bit with my wedges but I’m happy with my start. I rolled in the putts I needed to make.”
And Davidse was additionally very happy together with his opening spherical as he’s combating bronchitis and is on treatment this week.
“I’m quite exhausted, so I’m really excited about my round today. I don’t have any expectations. Today I was just focused on whether I could finish the round,” he mentioned. – Michael Vlismas
ALSO READ | Masters 2023: Nine shocking gamers to overlook the reduce
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY WADE PRETORIUS
Source link
