Justin Rose of England fired a seven-under 65 on Friday which equaled the day's best round, while South Africa's Trevor Immelman signed for a 66 as the pair shared the second round lead on 11-under 133 in the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Heavy mid-morning rain before play started softened the Gary Player Country Club course and also brought the lift, clean and place rule into operation.
This made the 7,162m monster of a course a little more user-friendly as the greens were receptive which made it possible to attack the flagsticks, and it was easier -- with hardly any roll -- to keep the ball on the fairway.
What's more, being allowed to clean the mud off the ball means the players could trust their ball flight.
"So scores were always going to come down," said world No 8 Rose, who had seven birdies in a bogey-free return.
He was out in 34 strokes and home in just 31 with six threes in the last eight holes.
Immelman, also 27, had eight birdies and two bogeys in his 66.
Lurking three shots off the pace on 136 following a 67 was Ernie Els who is chasing a record fourth title in this 12-man event which was first played for in 1981 and today offers a first prize of US$1.2 million.
Sweden's Henrik Stenson, who finished second behind winner Jim Furyk last year (Furyk is injured and not defending his title) roared back into contention with a 65 after a slow start on Thursday when he had a 72.
Australia's Adam Scott, who shared the first round lead with Immelman on 67, lost ground with a 71 on Friday.
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