Retief Goosen clawed his way into contention at the Johnnie Walker Classic on Friday, lurking two behind Oliver Wilson who leads by a stroke from South Africa’s Anton Haig.
The world number six compiled a 68 to sit dangerously in the shadow of the Englishman, who spoiled a perfect score by hitting a bogey on the 18th for a round of 66 to be 10 under for the tournament.
Haig, who is quickly establishing himself as the next big thing in South African golf, following in the footsteps of idols Goosen and Ernie Els, is second on nine under, one ahead of third placed James Nitties of Australia.
The youngster equalled Greg Norman’s Johnnie Walker Classic course record when he fired a 64.
Els, the world number five, just made the cut, with a steady 70 leaving him nine off the pace. World number four Adam Scott also scraped through, thanks to a birdie on the last, which gave him a 69 to also lie nine behind.
Goosen, who won the Qatar Masters last month, said he was ready to step up his game.
”I’ll just play my game and hopefully get a good round in on Saturday. I thought around 16 under could win it, but we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
”At one stage it didn’t look too good for me, so to be only two behind is a bonus.”
Wilson (26) has yet to win a European Tour event but said he was confident he could lift the trophy and was not intimidated by the likes of Goosen getting ready to pounce.
”You know the cream always rises to the top so you know those guys are going to be coming down the stretch up there, and hopefully they will be chasing me,” he said.
”But I’m not going to put any pressure on myself, which I normally tend to do. I’m not intimidated. I’ll get on with it and see what happens.”
Scott, who recently had a five-week break and has failed to find his form since, said he was frustrated with the way he was playing.
”I’ve played rubbish for two days so I’m lucky to still be here for the weekend,” said Scott, who could not pinpoint what was wrong with his game, other than lack of golf due to the extended break when he did not pick up a club.
”It’s everything, I need some practice. Hopefully I’ll wake up feeling better tomorrow [Saturday] or I’ll just get more frustrated,” he said.
”There’s no rhythm. I make a shot, then miss a shot. I’m just not sharp.”
Englishman Paul Casey, the world number 14, crashed out, missing the cut by two strokes after a double bogey on the last.
European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosen also slumped, losing the plot with a 10-over-par 82 for the worst round of the day, but fellow veteran Colin Montgomerie remains alive at five under.
Asian hopes rest with Wang Ter-chang of Taiwan who hit a solid 70 to be six under while Jeev Milkha Singh of India and Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee are at five under.
”It’s a tough course and not an easy week, but so far, so good. I’m happy. I’m striking the ball well, just a couple of shots that I pulled, but generally good,” said Thongchai after shooting a 68.
Singh, who spoiled his round with a double bogey and a triple bogey, added: ”Except for two holes I played rock solid. I always enjoy tough courses and I’m looking forward to the weekend.” — AFP
