The Big Easy IGT Challenge Tour tees off in Modderfontein

CJ du Plessis nosed clear of the field in the second event on the Big Easy IGT Challenge Tour with a solid three-under-par 69 at Modderfontein Golf Club on May 15.

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The 27-year-old Limpopo golfer led by two shots on six under 138. Coming off a tie for 25th in the Investec Royal Swazi Open a week before, Du Plessis was pleased with an almost flawless round that featured one bogey, a birdie on each nine and an eagle at the par-five eighth.

“I teed off at the 10th and made a three-putt bogey at 11 from about 20 feet behind the hole,” said the Irene Country Club golfer.

“It wasn’t the ideal start, but I managed to hit a wedge really close at 16 and holed the putt for birdie.

“I missed two short birdie chances, but at least I was back to level. I went with a three-wood off the tee at the first and hit a solid nine-iron in to 12 foot, but I missed the eagle putt. I boxed a short one for birdie to dip into red numbers,” he said.

The former IGT Challenge Tour winner made six straight pars, but two good shots at the long eighth set up a three that vaulted Du Plessis to the top of the leaderboard.

“I hit a great down the eighth fairway and a seven-iron that plugged on the green,” he said.

“I had about eight feet left to the hole and I didn’t make any mistakes with that putt. The course took a beating with the rain in round one and it played quite long.”

Pieter Moolman and Duane Keun returned a pair of 68s to tie for third on three under with Matthew Spacey, who carded 71.

Arno Pretorius, Sean Bradley, Marthin Scheepers and Conway Kunneke were a further stroke adrift in joint sixth while overnight leader Thabang Simon had to settle for a seat on the nine-man bus at two-under after he battled to a round of 75.

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