Dubuisson opens up two-shot lead in South Africa
Frenchman Victor Dubuisson holds the edge at the Nedbank Golf Challenge heading into the weekend.
Day two at the challenging Gary Player Country Club provided an even sterner test, with the players forced to overcome strong winds and a two-hour storm delay.
Dubuisson coped better than most, adding a two-under-par 70 to his opening 68 for a six-under-par total that left him two strokes clear of nearest challengers Lee Westwood and Darren Fichardt.
The Frenchman could have had an even bigger lead, but for a closing bogey at the 18th. His first 17 holes netted just one other bogey, and four impressive birdies.
The best of Victor's second round in under 90 seconds 📹#NGC2017 #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/Ou29hnulBW
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 10, 2017
The smart money might well have been on Dubuisson ahead of this week’s tournament, as he boasts an incredible record at this time of the year: two wins at the Turkish Airlines Open, two top fives at Sun City and three top fives at the DP World Tour Championship.
A second successive 70 saw Westwood – a former two-time champion at Sun City – move into contention, a position he hasn’t found himself in too often this season.
Fichardt, meanwhile, flew the local flag with a well-played 69 to join Westwood in second place.
Lying just three shots back are defending champion Alex Noren, the in-form Tyrell Hatton, Ross Fisher and Scott Jamieson.
Alex Noren, ladies and gentlemen 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/YPfZ1zTywI
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 10, 2017
Friday proved a brutal test for most of the players, however, including Race to Dubai leader Tommmy Fleetwood, who dropped nine shots off the pace with a four-over-par 74.
Overnight leader Bernd Wiesberger was another who suffered, going from a 67 on day one to a 77 on day two.
Matthew Fitzpatrick fell out of contention with a 77, and Rafa Cabrera Bello a 78.
After 36 holes:#NGC2017 #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/Oh9dMeZctP
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 10, 2017
Latest
-
News
R&A: ‘No plans’ for Open to head to Donald Trump-owned Turnberry in near future
Trump National in Bedminster was on Sunday stripped of next year’s US PGA Championship.
-
News
US PGA Championship moved from Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey
Trump National in Bedminster had been set to host the event.
-
News
Justin Thomas : ‘I made a terrible, terrible judgement call’
Thomas admitted he was distracted by what happened on Saturday during his final round.
-
News
PGA Championship to be moved away from Donald Trump-owned course
It is the second time in six years the PGA has moved an event away from a course owned by Donald Trump.
-
News
‘It’s inexcusable’ – Justin Thomas apologises for homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three was heard using the derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt.
-
News
Westwood, McDowell back petition to allow English golf courses to open
The duo have added their names to a petition that has passed 100 000 signatures.
-
News
Xander Schauffele pledges to ‘fake it until I make it’ after contracting Covid
Schauffele is one of 16 players in the Sentry Tournament of Champions who failed to win an official event last season.
-
News
After years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
News
What to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.
-
News
Organisers delay ticketing process for 2021 Masters as another fan shutout looms
Augusta National Golf Club is considering its options before making a call on 2021 Masters.