Louis Liebenberg fired a flawless six-under 66 in the second round to grab a share of the lead at Ebotse Links. The sparkling performance catapulted him into contention alongside three others heading into the final round.
Liebenberg faced a tough task after opening with a 73 in the first round. He needed something special to make the cut at this final regular season event. The golfer quietly went about his work and seized every opportunity that came his way.
“To be honest, not much changed between today and yesterday,” Liebenberg noted after his round. “I just putted a little bit better today. I gave myself opportunities like I did yesterday, but a few more putts dropped today.”
The blemish-free round showcased Liebenberg’s solid game management and improved touch on the greens. “If you can go without a single bogey in tournament golf, you know you’re doing something right,” he explained. “The putting was good today and I was able to get myself out of trouble really well. That felt pretty good.”
Liebenberg sits at five-under for the week alongside Oliver Goldhill, Tristan Leonard, and overnight leader Austin Cherichella. The American had set the early pace but now faces stiff competition from the chasing pack.
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“Tomorrow is going to be a great challenge,” Liebenberg said. “But I always enjoy a good challenge. The aim is to keep doing the same things I’ve done in the first two days. I want to enjoy it, try to give myself some opportunities, stick to the game plan. We’ll see where it takes us.”
Bradley De Beer and amateur Vuyisani Makama lurk just one stroke behind the leaders. The duo will fancy their chances of pouncing on any slip-ups from the front-runners.
Experienced campaigner Andre De Decker sits two shots back on three-under alongside Jake Bolton, Travis Ladner, and Dillon Germishuys. Amateur Ethan Gough completes the group at three-under-par for the week. All five players know a strong final round could vault them into contention.
Two strokes hardly constitutes a comfortable cushion in golf. The leaders will need to stay sharp to hold off the challengers breathing down their necks.
This 10th event of the season carries extra significance as the last tournament before the playoffs. Only the top 50 players on the Order of Merit after this 54-hole event will qualify. The top 30 after the playoff will then compete in the final.
The Betway Big Easy Tour serves as the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit. It enjoys the backing of legendary golfer Ernie Els among other notable patrons.
Liebenberg and his rivals return to Ebotse Links for the final round, knowing everything is still to play for. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the regular season.
