By Michael Vlismas.
Caption: Benjamin Kedochim (Photo by Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour).
Eswatini – Frenchman Benjamin Kedochim is making a strong charge for a maiden Sunshine Tour title in his rookie season and will take a one-stroke lead into Saturday’s final round of the FNB Eswatini Challenge at the Ezulwini Golf & Country Club.
Kedochim signed for a seven-under-par 65 on Friday to climb to the top of the leaderboard on 14 under par. His nearest challenger is South Africa’s Wynand Dingle following his round of 63.
“My first round was good and flawless. I made my birdies on the par fives to score a round of seven under par like nothing happened. Today was a little trickier. I made more putts but missed a shot on the seventh hole that went into the water, but I managed to save par. I enjoyed the day,” the Frenchman said.
Kedochim is enjoying his time in Africa and is looking forward to challenging for a maiden Sunshine Tour title.
“I love playing on the Sunshine Tour. All the players are so welcoming, and the spirit of the Tour is amazing. I was waiting for this opportunity as I haven’t always finished well at the other tournaments, keeping myself from winning. Now I have a chance and I’m happy about it,” Kedochim said.
Dingle is the closest South African in contention.
“Yesterday I was a little bit in idle and didn’t take full advantage of the scoring opportunities. This morning I told myself that I need a good putting round – I had that today. The putter worked well especially on the back nine as I made a 25-footer on the 12th hole and another 30-footer on the 17th hole, both for eagle,” he said.
Dingle’s only title on the Sunshine Tour came in 2022, and he’s looking forward to adding to that.
“That year in 2022 was special for me. I had a third place here in the FNB Eswatini Nkonyeni, followed by a second place at the Vodacom Origins of Golf Highland Gate, before I won my first event at the Vodacom Origins of Golf San Lameer.”
“I haven’t been in contention for a while. I don’t think it’s going to be easy, but I am looking forward to the challenge. I am hitting the ball well enough. If I can putt like I did today I think I will be in with a good chance. I recently discovered that if you’re a little bit more fun you can do a little bit better, so I will try and enjoy it,” Dingle said.