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Sjoland's course record secures SA Open halfway lead

Patrik Sjoland of Sweden shot a course-record 8-under 64 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead into the halfway mark of the South African Open.

His two-round total of 132 had him clear of Ernie Els and Trevor Immelman, with Retief Goosen and Andrew Raitt a further two shots back.

Sjoland was locked in a tight battle with the other contenders for much of his round until he claimed the sole lead with a strong finish of four birdies in his final four holes.

He had started well, with his run of five birdies to the turn for an outward nine of 30.

"All of a sudden, all the cameras came and I got nervous for a few holes. But I managed to get myself together and finished nicely," Sjoland said.

Goosen and Andrew Raitt were the first to take advantage of windless conditions on the links course, and set the early clubhouse mark at 9 under.

"We all know she [the course] isn't showing her teeth yet and we've been quite lucky," Els said.

Goosen birdied 15 and 16 and then eagled 17 -- the hole on which he carded an 11 in the first round -- for a 66.

Immelman then charged, despite struggling with his swing. He carded three birdies and an eagle from 14 to lead by two on 12-under.

But the par-four 18th halted his progress. A pulled drive into the bushes led to a bogey there.

Behind him, Els chipped in for an eagle two on 16 and birdied 17 to share the lead with Immelman on 11 under.

But then came Sjoland's fast finish.

"I'll probably be a bit nervous, but this is what we play for," Sjoland said. "I'm just going to go out and enjoy it and hopefully I can hit a few good shots and make some putts."
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