American Cherichella in three-way share of Big Easy lead at Ebotse

America’s Austin Cherichella played himself into a three-way share of the lead in Tuesday’s opening round of the 10^th Betway Big Easy Tour event of the season, thanks to an eventful four-under-par 68 at Ebotse Links in Benoni.

“I played well today; played smart golf, I felt,” noted Cherichella. “The pins were really tough out there in the corners but I played it middle of the green and the putts fell in. So, it was nice.

“I took a putting lesson when I returned from the Christmas break and I think that helped a little bit. But, I kind  of came in this week with no expectations because I’ve been really struggling with the putter, so it felt really cool to see some putts go in.”

Cherichella shares that top spot with Tristan Leonard and Bradley De Beer who were just as impressive on day one of this last regular-season event before the Play-Off and Final.

Leonard’s near-perfect round consisted of six birdies and a double while De Beer had a similar number of birdies which were accompanied by a pair of unwanted bogeys.

Just a single shot off the lead, amateurs Ethan Gough and Vuyisani Makama played themselves into a six-man tie for fourth.

“This is my second Big Easy start of the season,” said Makama. “It’s a good experience ands it helps that GolfRSA can create these opportunities and give us invites to help improve the golf and see where we are against these big guys.

“I felt like my first round was decent. I felt like the putter let me down a few times but overall, it’s been a solid day.”

This 10^th event of the season is the last regular tournament of the season before the Play-Off nd the Fianl. Only the top 50 players on the Order of Merit after this week’s event will be eligible for the Play-Off.

From there, only the top 30 players on the standings will go on to play the Final where Sunshine Tour cards for the next season will be awarded to the top 12 players on the final Order of Merit.

The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and enjoys the support of the legendary Ernie Els, among other patrons.