Peterson leads Joburg Open as Kruger flies SA flag high

24 February 2017

Photo by: Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club

Top US golfer Paul Peterson took the lead in the first round of the 2017 Joburg Open with a nine-under 62 on Thursday February 23 before torrential rains and water-logged courses at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club brought play to a premature halt.

 

The round was due to be resumed at 6:45am on Friday February 24.

Peterson, playing on the west course, did not drop a single shot and had a two-shot lead over the England duo of Aaron Rai and Paul Waring, who each carded seven-under 65 on the east course.

South African golfer Jbe Kruger held his own and flew the country’s flag high with a six-under 65 even though the rain brought with it its own challenges.

“In fact, the rain has helped me to concentrate and I am looking forward to the weekend. On the first day one can’t win but can certainly lose. I am working hard to ensure that I make the cut for the next round. This promises to be an interesting weekend,” Kruger said.

Peterson said he was impressed with the way he played. “The conditions of the golf course are good,” he said.

The €1.3-million tournament, which is in its 11th year, got under way after Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba hit the ceremonial shot and wished everyone the best of luck.

“Have fun and enjoy our beautiful city and explore the City of gold. As the City of Johannesburg we are looking forward to four fantastic days of good golfing. We have some of the greatest golfers battling it out for the ultimate prize,” said Mashaba.

More than 200 golfers took to the pristine fairways on Thursday. The number will be whittled down to about 70 ahead of the next round. Seven South African golfers have won the Joburg Open since its inception in 2007.

City of Johannesburg Events Director Bongi Mokaba said the tournament, watched in 35 countries globally, had excellent tourism and economic spinoffs. “The Joburg Open has positioned Johannesburg as a sporting destination of choice.”