By Michael Vlismas.
Caption: Jonathan Broomhead. Photo Credit: Sunshine Tour/Tyrone Winfield.
PRETORIA, Gauteng – Jonathan Broomhead is making a strong defence of his title in a stellar field after opening with a 65 to share the first-round lead in the Sunbet Challenge Time Square Casino at Wingate Park Country Club on Wednesday.
Broomhead’s opening round of seven under par sees him share the lead with countrymen Shaun Norris and Daniel Cronje, and Chile’s Gabriel Morgan. DP World Tour champion Michael Hollick is just one shot off the lead, with fellow DP World Tour champions Thriston Lawrence and George Coetzee two and three shots off the pace respectively.
Broomhead’s opening round included six birdies and an eagle, with only one dropped shot.
“It was a decent round today. I hit the ball really well and made some nice putts. The scores are out there. The eagle on the second hole was nice. I hit a good drive, followed by a nine-iron that landed in the middle of the green. I rolled in a 45-footer for eagle. I was a bit lucky with the long putt but you take them when they come,” Broomhead said.
Broomhead acknowledged the importance of a good start in this 54-hole tournament, and with the aim of defending his title.
“Defending a title is really nice. You don’t always get the chance to do it. Coming back from Europe, it was really nice to put a good round together and putting me in a good position for the next two rounds. With a three-round tournament, if you get off to a hot start and just keep going you should be good,” Broomhead said.
Broomhead has been working hard on his game since returning from Europe and is happy with the progress he made after the winter break on the Sunshine Tour.
“I’ve been putting in some good work the last few weeks after taking some time off after returning from Europe about six weeks ago. I’ve been working hard and it clearly showed today.”