Local hero Charl Schwartzel and Frenchman Gregory Bourdy fired rounds of 64 and 65 respectively on Friday to take a four-stroke lead over Darren Fichardt in the second round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek. Former Masters champion Schwartzel has yet to record a bogey in the tournament so far and six birdies and an eagle on the par-five 18th hole catapulted him into a strong position at 13 under with Bourdy. “I got off to a great start this morning. The golf course was in great shape, the greens were nice and there was no wind,” he told reporters. “It was there for the taking and luckily enough I took advantage early on. I made a couple around the turn and could have been a few more there, but we can’t get too greedy.”
Despite posting the lowest round of the tournament, the 28-year-old said he felt his form was still well below his best which may be an ominous sign for Bourdy and the rest of the field.
“When you’re hitting it well you feel in control. The way I’m hitting it now it feels like I’ve got to dig a lot deeper to grind a score out,” he said.
“It’s not as consistent as it normally is. I just hope to start striking it better and feel a bit more at ease when I’m out there. Early on it wasn’t that great, but it feels like it’s getting a little better.
