Dreyer’s domination continues in Big Easy IGT Benoni

Juran Dreyer took a huge step towards a maiden professional title when he coasted to a six shot lead in the second round of the Big Easy IGT Challenge Tour #12 on Tuesday.

After plundering the Lake Club Benoni layout with 10 birdies to take the first round lead on nine-under-par 63, the Free State rookie made the most of the glorious summer’s day and a one-club wind.

He stretch his two shot overnight advantage with an eagle and half-a-dozen birdies for a seven-under 65 that moved him to 16-under for the week.

“I’m in a really good position to win my first Big Easy IGT, but I’m not thinking too far past my tee-time tomorrow,” said the 23-year-old Schoeman Park golfer.

“I was in the same position at the Big Easy IGT #10 at Services a few weeks ago. I led the field going into the final round, but Stuart Smith walked away with the trophy. I’m obviously keen to win my first pro title, but you don’t win until the last putt drops.

“I’ve only dropped two shots in 36 holes. The game is there. The confidence is there. I’ll take both to the course, play shot-for-shot just like I’ve done the last two days and see where it takes me. It will be a mental and physical test. Hopefully I pass with flying colours.”

Dreyer got off to a birdie start at the par five 10th, notched another gain at 12 and knocked in a short putt for three at the par five 15th.

“I was just off the fairway on the right at 15 and I hit a great 2-iron with a small cut with the wind to six foot and nailed the eagle putt,” he said. “Unfortunately I short-sided myself in the bunker at 17 and couldn’t up-and-down for par.

“I hit it greenside at 18, chipped it close and boxed the birdie putt to turn four-under. On the back nine, I two-putted both par fives (three and four) and made a two-footer for birdie at five.”

It could have been another 63, but Dreyer lipped out at seven and left his birdie putt in the mouth on the eighth hole.

“Those kind of losses you just have to write off immediately,” he said. “I will try to keep playing like this and I’m always positive. On a course like this, I think that you have to accept everything.  It’s a fair test and the greens are getting hard. I’ll have to work for the win, but hopefully I can keep patient and have some fun. That’s the way to go about things.”

Dreyer’s closest challengers are Pretoria golfer Tokkie van den Berg and Blain Samson from The Golf School of Excellence.

The pair carded respective rounds of 69 and 66 to tie for second on 10-under, one shot clear of Stellenbosch rookie Michael-James Steyn, who posted 70.

Jason Roets, Jeff Inglis, Kyle Barker and Ruan Korb share fifth on eight-under and a further six players tied for ninth on seven-under.