Tyrone takes sure start to Telkom
Tyrone Ryan shook off the holiday rust and shot a flawless 66 at Centurion Country Club on Tuesday, securing the first of 10 places on offer at pre-qualifying for the Telkom PGA Pro-Am, which starts on Wednesday.
“That kind of start gets the season going in style and helps the confidence. Today was one of those days where I would miss a green and then chip in… everything just went really well,” he said.
A total of 93 players tried to earn a spot in the 54-hole, R600 000 tournament, but Ryan led the way with his bogey-free 66, which set the clubhouse lead early on.
The 23-year-old started on the first and wasted no time in getting ahead, carding birdies at the first, third and sixth to turn at three-under. He continued to sink putts on the back nine and birdied 10 and 12 to go five-under and pull clear of the field. A final birdie at the last would solidify his lead.
“After three years you feel more comfortable on tour. You get a sense of direction and that allows you to not worry and play with a more relaxed attitude. The biggest factor is believing that belong on tour, and after a few years you begin to accept it,” he said.
Ryan set the mark at six-under, but was soon joined by Johan Bekker and rookie MJ Daffue. The trio finished the day atop the leaderboard.
Gert Myburgh, Ryan Strauss, Ross McGowan, Ryan Thompson, Wynand Dingle and Martin du Toit all shot 67 to claim their spots in the season-opener.
Seven players finished on four-under-par 68 and entered a sudden-death playoff for the final spot. Musiwalo Nethunzwi claimed the place after sinking an eight-foot the putt for birdie, continuing his magical run from Vusi Ngubeni Qualifying School.
“It’s a dream start to 2013. I’ve been waiting for this, working hard, and the results are coming. I’m so excited – I’m the happiest man at the moment – my dream is coming true,” he said.
