Pretoria: Rising English star Haydn McCullen and South Africa’s Bryandrew Roelofsz shot matching seven-under 65s to share the lead heading into the second round of the South to East Challenge at Zwartkop Golf Club in Centurion, Pretoria, on Tuesday.
McCullen, who won the prestigious McEvoy Trophy in 2014 before turning professional last year, and Roelofsz, both reeled off seven birdies against a lone bogey to surge one clear of South Africa’s Siphiwe Siphayi in this Mena Golf Tour event, which is co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Big Easy Tour.
The South African trio of CJ du Plessis, Andre de Decker and Irvin Mazibuko were tied for fourth a further shot back as 41 players broke par on the opening day.
McCullen, a 19-year-old Manchester-based prodigy, started his round strongly, making birdie on the par-five first hole, and the Englishman said his game plan revolved around hitting as many greens as possible.
“I played well and holed a few putts, which always helps. I just played solid. The greens are quite small so I played for the middle most of the time as you can hole a few putts from there,” said McCullen.
Roelofsz turned in two-under-par, and a solid finish on the back nine saw the Sunshine Tour Qualifying School graduate sign for an impressive 65.
“It’s tough out there. Obviously, if you’re hitting the ball well you’ll score, but if you aren’t hitting it that well you’ll struggle a bit. I kept it together and played well — came out with a good score so I’m happy,” said Roelofsz.
South Africa’s Siphaya finished with a flourish, carding three birdies in a row to sit one shot off the leaders on five-under-par as Thriston Lawrence, the winner of the 2015 Mena Golf Tour Order of Merit, shot a three-under 68 to move into a tie for seventh, one ahead of an 11-member group, which included England’s Lee Corfield. Matt Saulez carded a bogey-free two-under 69 to lead the amateur division, one clear of fellow South African Sentanio Minnie.
