Cronje surges to the top in Big Easy Play Off

Dainel Cronje dazzled to an opening round of nine-under 63 on Tuesday, taking a two-stroke lead in the Betway Big Easy Tour Play Off event played at Modderfontein Golf Club.

A bogey-free front nine of 31 set the scene for what was to follow as Cronje launched his challenge for this week’s prestigious title.

“Not often am I leading after the first round, so it’s quite nice to be in the front from the beginning and I’d like to keep it that way for the rest of the week,” said Cronje after his round. “

“The front nine was good,” Cronje noted. “Honestly, I struggled in the first two events of the year, so I’ve been working with my coach and we found something this week and it showed on the front nine.It was nice to sort of continue that on the back nine. I’m very happy with today’s performance.”

His back nine was just as spectacular. An eagle on 10 was followed by a drop on 12 but Cronje swiftly recovered; birdieing 13, 16 and 17 for a near-perfect round.

“The bogey was frustrating; it was a three-putt, actually,” Cronje continued. “But, anytime you can make eight birdies and an eagle, a bogey here and there isn’t going to affect you too much. So, I’m very happy with the round today.”

Two shots adrift lies Oliver Goldhill whose seven-under 65 was the second-best score of the day. His front nine was as solid as you’d expect, with a pair of birdies and a solitary drop. It was on the back nine, however, that Goldhill found his groove. Six birdies and no drops helped Goldhill to a 65 and to within arm’s reach of Cronje’s lead.

“I couldn’t wait to finish the round because I’m quite sick at the moment,” said Goldhill after his round. “But, I got it going really nicely, greens are in good nick and I was putting nicely. I was quite happy to see a few putts go in. The last two or three months have been really consistent and I’m just trying to ride that wave.

“I hope to get a bit better in the next two rounds but for now, I’ll just go home and get some meds in and go again tomorrow.”

The Play Off event is the penultimate tournament of the season before the final. Only the top 40n players on the Order of Merit are competing at Modderfontein and only the top 30 after that, will be eligible for the final which is scheduled for March.

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