Dundee’s Louis Albertse joint leader in Sunshine Tour qualifier
It was Lous Albertse, however, who showed great resilience in the tough conditions.
Dundee’s Louis Albertse is the joint leader in the fourth round of the final stage of qualifying school at Randpark Golf Club. Todd Clements and Louis were both on 15-under before play was called on Thursday.
Those going through will play on the coveted Sunshine Golf tour.
The weather didn’t look that promising all morning long on day four and while it was raining for the entire morning, there was hope that the round would be finished. That didn’t happen as the rain got stronger and the course proved unplayable.
Such conditions only brought out the best in both Clements and Albertse as both players were still able to make five birdies each. For Clements, however, such gains were brought down to nothing as he dropped five shots and made a double bogey on the last hole.
“Today the weather was tough and I wasn’t at my best,” admitted Clements. “It’s soft and deceptive but if you get control of your shots and get the right yardages you’re going to make some birdies. But, when you are offline, like I was, you struggle. The rough is thicker and everything becomes more of a challenge.”
It was Lous Albertse, however, who showed great resilience in the tough conditions. While Clements dropped more shots today than he did the whole week, Louis only dropped on the 10th – his first – and again five holes later. Having started the round five shots behind, his performance on Thursday showed just how much quality he has and the final round promises to be a duel to be remembered for the two amateurs.
Jason Smith was level-par through six holes in the fourth round but was on a total of 10-under and would have felt he could overturn the five-shot deficit between himself and the leading duo.
The fourth round will resume today before the start of the final.
