Australia’s Austin Bautista and South Africa’s Jacquin Hess are off to a flying start at the fourth Betway Big Easy Tour event, both carding impressive six-under 66s on Tuesday at Benoni Country Club to share the early lead.
Bautista, a Q-School graduate, has been consistently showing his talent lately, not just on this feeder tour but also on the main Sunshine Tour. His strong second-place finish at the FBC Zim Open earlier this season really highlights his capability.
Hess, from Robertson’s Golf Club, is also proving to be a force this season. After a somewhat shaky start on the front nine, where he was one-over through nine holes with two double-bogeys, he truly found his rhythm. A fantastic eagle after the turn seemed to ignite his round, quickly followed by three birdies in a row from the 12th to the 15th. Hess, a member of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, didn’t stop there, adding further birdies on the 17th and the final hole to secure his 66 and a two-stroke lead. Bradley De Beer and Jacques Van Der Merwe are close behind, trailing by two strokes after opening with 68s. Just one shot further back are Ryan Van Der Klis, local favorite Reece McKain, and Jordan Duminy, another member of the Papwa Sewgolum Class.
The Betway Big Easy Tour serves as the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and is notably supported by golf legend Ernie Els.
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