By Michael Vlismas.
Caption: Cole Stevens. (Images Credit: Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour).
EDENVALE (Gauteng) – Cole Stevens held onto his lead in the Stella Artois Players Championship as he climbed to 12 under par at Glendower Golf Club on Friday. But he is now only one shot clear of the in-form Luke Brown heading into the weekend.
Stevens signed for a second round of 70, which was a solid follow-up after his opening 62. Brown, his nearest challenger, posted a 67.
And Deon Germishuys moved into contention on 10 under par with a 67 of his own. Stevens had to show immense composure on Friday to stay ahead of the field. His front nine yielded eight pars and one bogey.
“I had a tough start to the front nine. I couldn’t really get anything going. I did hit some quality golf shots, but just didn’t capitalise on it,” said Stevens.
But he did find some rhythm on the back nine.
“The back nine started better with two birdies on the 11th and 12th holes. During the middle of the back nine it was a bit shaky, but I still managed to get some key up-and-downs and big momentum shots. I thought I hit the ball really solid but I just misjudged the wind on quite a few holes. I will aim to correct that going into the weekend. The key aspect to keep scores low on this golf course is being straight off the tee. The back nine is a lot more demanding than the front nine as the par-four holes are a lot longer and it’s a lot harder to hold the fairways.”
This weekend presents yet another opportunity for Stevens to claim a victory in a rookie season that has already seen him come close in the Rwanda Open and Limpopo Championship.
“It’s always a privilege to be in the lead going into the weekend. I’m just going to try and relish every moment and take it one hole and one shot at a time.”