By Michael Vlismas.
Caption: Graham van der Merwe. Photo Credit: Shaun Roy/Sunshine Tour.
Durban (KwaZulu-Natal) – Graham van der Merwe continued his quest for a maiden Sunshine Tour title as he posted a magnificent seven-under-par 63 to take the first-round lead in the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Sun Sibaya at The Woods at Mount Edgecombe on Wednesday.
Van Der Merwe produced a round of seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys to lead by two shots over a strong group of players including Courier Guy Order of Merit leader, Samuel Simpson, and multiple DP World Tour champion George Coetzee.
“Today was a good day. The first round you always want to settle yourself in and start pushing a bit later, but the putts started dropping and I was just managing myself well. I wasn’t hitting it unbelievably, but I was scoring great by making all the putts I needed to make,” said Van Der Merwe, who also enjoyed a chip-in for eagle on the par-four fourth hole.
“The chip-in for eagle really catapulted me into a nice low round.”
Van Der Merwe made good use of an early start in glorious weather conditions, adding seven birdies to compliment the eagle and dropping two shots.
“We were fortunate with the weather this morning, and the course is in immaculate condition. On these types of holes you can make quick bogeys if you are not careful, so I am not too upset about the drops. I am happy with my position going into the next two days with not a whole lot that needs to change. It all depends on the weather as it makes it difficult to plan ahead if you are dealing with the wind, so I won’t get too far ahead of myself, adjusting as needed.”
Van Der Merwe has already had five top-10s this year, which is a reflection of his shift in approach to enjoying the game more.
“My golf game has been in a good place for a while. I am a lot more settled and not too result orientated. I am more focused on enjoying playing the game and the people around me. This approach seems to help me a lot and hopefully I can pull anther good result this week,” he said.
“My golf game has been in a good place for a while. I am a lot more
settled and not too result orientated. I am more focused on enjoying
playing the game and the people around me. This approach seems
o help me a lot and hopefully I can pull anther good result this week.”
– Graham van der Merwe.