MICHAEL VLISMAS, Cape Town | Saturday 7.15pm.
SEAN Ludgater literally climbed out of his sickbed to post a four-under par 68 and lead the Vodacom Tour’s R200000 Vodacom Series: Western Cape by two shots at the Rondebosch Golf Club on Saturday.
Ludgater, now on 11-under par 133 for the tournament, escaped the afternoon wind that blew first round leader Ashley Roestoff slightly off course.
Roestoff struggled to a 71 in the gusty afternoon conditions, placing him on nine-under par 135.
Des Terblanche returned a 69 and Darren Fichardt a 65 to place them together on eight-under 136.
Ludgater, who finished second here last year, has struggled all week with a severe ‘flu virus.
But his first round 65 never even hinted at a problem, and perhaps the only indication was a weary bogey at the last on Saturday, his only dropped shot of the round.
After collecting five solid birdies thanks to a well-grooved swing, Ludgater’s drive at the par-four 18th was a rare loose one, finding the trees lining the right side of the fairway.
His second clipped a branch and landed just short of the green. From there, the KwaZulu-Natal professional chipped on and then missed about a six-footer for his par.
“I think I might have picked up this ‘flu when we played in Swaziland. But at least I’m still playing very well, although I didn’t make as many putts as I would have liked to,” said the 25-year-old, currently in his third season on the Vodacom Tour but still hunting that maiden victory.
“I’m just pleased with my consistency. I’ve been in contention a few times this year already, and I’m glad to be giving myself opportunities to win.”
Ludgater’s most obvious threat is Roestoff, who seems to be finding his way out of a minor slump.
“Ashley is a great player, but I’ve been in this position before and know what I have to do.
“In the past, I’ve tended to get over-excited about leading. Now it just comes down to believing in myself and going out there and doing it,” said Ludgater.
Roestoff, who wounded this par-72 layout with his first round 64, came away with a few “bruises” himself on Saturday.
With a nagging north westerly tugging at his swing, Roestoff found himself in trouble at two-over par through only four holes.
“I really struggled out there today (on Saturday). But I managed to hang in there and make a few birdies. But I can tell you, it’s terrible trying to hole putts from 30 feet all the time,” he said.
The halfway cut fell at one-over par 145, with 48 players making it through to Sunday’s final round.
One of those missing will be Richard Kaplan, but not by his own hand.
Kaplan retired after a first round 73 after hearing the news that his baby daughter is very ill. –MWP