Thimba Jnr shoots low for first-round lead at Wanderers

Toto Thimba Jnr shot a low six-under 65 in the opening round of the third Betway Big Easy Tour event of the season, taking a single stroke  lead in this 54-hole tournament at The Wanderers Golf Club on Tuesday.

Thimba’s near-perfect 65 consisted of seven birdies and a solitary bogey.

“A productive day in the office,” said a satisfied Thimba Jnr after his round. “I hit the ball really well and I putted well, too. I made a silly drop on eight but I am pretty pleased with how I played today.

“It’s good to see myself playing well again. Obviosuly, I have to compete with these youngsters and it’s not easy out there. The guys can play here and you always have to be at your best. I am happy I was able to play well too.”

Trailing by a single shot after respective rounds of 66 is the duo of Makhetha Mazibuko and England’s Matt Millar. Like Thimba Jnr’s round, Mazibuko’s card also consisted of a solitary bogey which accompanied six birdies, while Millar had seven birdies and two bogeys.

“I felt like I pplayed well today,” said Mazibuko. “I missed some but I think I made a couple of good putts and a few solid up-and-downs, so I am happy with my first round.”

Liam Grehan, amateur Minjun Heo, Richard Kruger, Adam Breen, Jastice Mashego and Matthew Bennett are all tied for fourth after they all carded rounds of 67 in the first round here at the historic Wanderers.

“It was the first round and I didn’t want to attack,” said the 17-year-old Heo. “The aim  was to try and make some putts and try to save some pars; play par golf. If some putts go in, it’s a bonus.

“I feel like anyone can score well on this course. But you can either shoot really well or the course can beat you up a bit.”

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