Henrik Stenson eagled the 17th hole to place second in the first round of the South African Open at the 72-par Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate on Thursday.
The former world No. 4 ended the sweltering day with a six-under-par 66 in a tie with newcomer Matthew Carvell from South Africa.
Hoping for his first title since the 2009 Players Championship, the Swede started strong with birdies on the first, second, sixth and eighth holes, before a bogey on the three-par 12th. He recovered well with another birdie on the 15th and a long tee for the surprise eagle.
“There’s not much to hold back when you have a 330 meters to the pin,” he said. “You give it your all, and I hit a really nice drive and it came up on the fringe about 15 foot away. I managed to make the little putt, which was nice.”
Six-time European title champion Stenson hopes to improve his 59th position in the Race to Dubai and stay under the top 60 to go to Jumeirah Golf Estates on Dec. 8 to Dec. 11.
South Africa’s Merrick Bremmer leads after the first round, with a course record eight-under-par 64 in Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg.
The 26-year-old Pretoria native was little fazed by big competitors, with the likes of Stenson, Charl Scwhartzel and Martin Kaymer in the field.
“It’s a big field, and obviously I’m not as high up as those boys, but anyone can win a golf tournament,” he said.
Scotland’s Craig Lee and South African Alex Haindl were tied in fourth place on 67.
Meanwhile, amateur player Terence Boardman from South Africa made a hole in one on the 12th hole, using a five-iron.
Local favorite Charl Schwartzel fought back from a double-bogey on the 12th to place sixth with four-under-par 68.
He remained confident to win his first SA Open, at 102 the second-oldest tournament in the world after The Open Championship.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely