Augusta hopefuls struggling

Last updated: 18th December 2009

South African Charl Schwartzel and England's Ross McGowan look as if they will go into the new year still looking for a place in April's Masters.

The two players both need a top-two finish in this week's South African Open to climb into the world's top 50 and claim an end-of-year spot at Augusta.

But they managed only five-over-par 77s in the opening round at Pearl Valley and resumed on Friday 13 strokes behind Swedish leader Martin Erlandsson.

The top 50 at the end of March also qualify for the first major of next season, but Italian World Cup winner Edoardo Molinari could have something extra to celebrate at Christmas.

The former US Amateur champion requires just a top-eight finish this weekend and a four-under-par 68 put him joint sixth overnight.

Erlandsson, chasing his first European Tour victory, was one in front of South African Dawie Van der Walt and also Spaniard Pablo Martin, winner of the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday.

Martin eagled the fifth and the 18th in his opening 65 and the second of those was the only one on the 601-yard hole all day.

"I hit driver 315 yards and had 265 yards to the front of the green. I had to hit it very hard, so I gave it all," he said.

Sunshine Tour Order of Merit leader Anders Hansen overcame three bogeys with an eagle and seven birdies for his round of 66.