Basson rides last year’s form to a share of lead at Ebotse

The first Betway Big Easy Tour event of the new year got off to a scintillating start, just like the final event of the last year, with Xander Basson producing yet another fine effort to share the early lead at Ebotse Links on Tuesday.

Basson finished second to Paul Boshoff in the last two tournaments before the Christmas break; a sign of a resurgent man whose game had significantly improved.

With the memory of those losses still lingering, Basson brought his usual intensity and accuracy to the opening round of the ninth tournament of the season held at Ebotse Links in Benoni. His unblemished six-under-par 66 on Tuesday gave him a share of the lead alongside Centurion Country Club’s amateur, Wandre Snyman.

“It actually started on the second hole; made probably a 40-footer for birdie,” said Basson who plays out of Silver Lakes Golf and Wildlife Estate when recalling some key moments in his round.

“That just got my round started and then on the par-five fourth, I made a nice one. Then I hit two great shots on six; almost made an albatross there but made an eagle. I was four-under through seven and from there I just kept it clean. It was nice starting a round; a year like that, with no bogeys. Hopefully, I can keep it that way this week.”

Just as impressive as Basson was, Snyman also showed his mettle on his maiden Betway Big Easy Tour appearance. His eventful round of 66 showed glimpses of a player who could hold his own among the elite. A single bogey on the second, a double on nine, seven birdies and an eagle characterised the amateur’s opening round in the East Rand.

His effort took him to the summit alongside the fairly experienced Basson as the pair shared a one-stroke lead over the field. Tyrone Davidowitz, Louis Liebenberg and Slade Pickering share third at six-under-par while Tyrone, Jaden Deltel and Luke Mayo are a shot further back on five-under.

“It’s always good to get off to a good start,” said Snyman. “I played well today against a strong field. I managed myself well. This golf course is tough and the tee shot is very important here. My tee shots were really good. I made a couple of good putts, I must say, but the tee shots were crucial. If you’re not hitting it well off the tee here, you’re going to suffer.”

The trio of Philip Geerts, England’s Harry Koning and Francois Van der Walt share ninth after respective rounds of 69.