South Africa’s Oliver Bekker shot a course record 10-under 62 at Al Hamra Golf Course on day two of the Ras Al Khaimah Classic, in the United Arab Emirates, on Friday. Picture: Sunshine Tour
Johannesburg - South Africa’s Oliver Bekker shot a course record 10-under 62 at Al Hamra Golf Course to rocket up 102 places to second on day two of the Ras Al Khaimah Classic, in the United Arab Emirates, on Friday.
Bekker moved to nine-under overall, tied for second place along with Justin Harding and Zander Lombard. Harding carded a fine five-under 67, while Lombard almost matched Bekker’s exploits with a scintillating nine-under 63. Lombard also shot up the leaderboard, 82 positions on the day.
Leading the way on 12-under is New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.
Beginning the day on the 10th tee in 104th position after a one-over 73 in round one, Bekker needed a good day just to make the cut. That mark was quickly left in the rearview mirror as he reeled off three birdies and an eagle in his opening seven holes. Bekker then put together four birdies in a row from the 18th as breaking 60 became a possibility.
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His lone bogey of the round came at the par four fifth to rule out his chances of shooting 59, but he still responded with two birdies in succession to move into double figures under par for his round.
"After yesterday's start I knew I had to go low today so I kind of had nothing to lose,” Bekker said.
"Then I left one short from 12 feet on the first hole and I thought, 'oh my word, you need to get it going’.
"Then I managed to make a nice putt on 12 for birdie, then on 13 I made birdie and another nice putt for eagle on 14 and that really got me going. From there I just kept the momentum.
"After I was about nine under par I thought there's still a few gettable holes out there coming in and if I can make one or two more and just keep the run going - just keep the foot down and don't play too safe.
Despite his stellar round, the 37-year-old was still frustrated by his only dropped shot of the round.
"I unfortunately made a pretty bad bogey on number five then almost hit it in the hole on six and seven I hit it close, eight I should have made birdie there as well.
"Ten under par, even if somebody said eight or seven under par I would have said thank you very much, so I'm very happy.
Last week Bekker finished ninth at the Ras al Khaimah Championship, and that performance clearly gave him some much-needed confidence.
"I just need to keep on doing what I've been doing. Last week I had a good chance of finishing top-three probably and just fell away in the final round.
"Give myself chances, the more chances you get sometimes you're going to take a few of them and then take it from there.”
Today was better. Nice to have the new course record at @AlHamraGolfClub with a 62 today. Had a chance at the 59, but the moment got too big. 🤪 Back in the mix after yesterdays disappointing 73 @DPWorldTour . Hopefully some more birdies on the weekend 🐦![CDATA[]]>🐦![CDATA[]]>🐦 #RAKClassic
— Oliver Bekker (@olliebekkergolf) February 11, 2022
The next best SA pair were George Coetzee (70 68) and Daniel van Tonder (70 68) who were tied for 30th on six-under at the halfway stage.
Shaun Norris (67 72) and Justin Walters (68 71) were in a tie for 41st on five-under. Meanwhile, Brandon Stone (67 73) and Thriston Lawrence (72 68) held a share of 53rd on four-under.
Richard Sterne was the last of the 10 South Africans to make the cut in 65th position, as he booked his spot for the weekend on the number on three-under with his 72 to go with his opening 69.
Jacques Kruyswijk (73 73) and Darren Fichardt missed the cut (71 80).
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