South African Albert Pistorius overcame windy conditions to take an early lead in the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open after the opening round at Royal Harare Golf Club yesterday.
Pistorius, who hails from Pretoria, looked happy in blustery conditions, with birdies on the 16th and 17th on his way to carding a six-under-par 66 to put himself firmly in contention for the R1,5 million.
“When I felt the wind this morning I thought that three-under would be a good score, so this is a real bonus. I was two-under through three holes, but then I slipped two back and finished the nine on level-par.”
“I’m feeling good and my game has been pretty solid. I really worked hard in the off-season and was really looking forward to this week. I’ve come here with a lot of confidence. We know this game though, so you have to keep your head down, stick to your routines and hit those shots,” he said.
Pistorius came to Harare on a run of good form — he tied for 11th at the Telkom PGA Championship and then for 12th at the Platinum Classic. He made a massive six birdies on the back nine.
Asked if he felt he could go all the way and emulate his fellow countrymen, who have won the last two editions, Pistorius said: “You can’t win the tournament on the first day, but you can throw it away. I’m just glad I’ve put myself into that position where I can go for it.”
Another South African Lyle Rowe, who hails from Port Elizabeth, South Africa’s “windy city” together with last year’s runner-up Matthew Carvell and his compatriot Irvin Mazibuko, were one shot back on five-under par 67.
In what ended up being an all-South African affair, Andrew Curlewis was on four-under par while his compatriot Toto Thimba (Jr) was a shot back.
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