After a draining period of playing pre-qualifiers, German professional Allen John has finally started to see his form turn as he signed for a 63 to lead The Serengeti Playoffs on 13 under par going into the weekend at Serengeti Estates.
John is two shots ahead of Daniel van Tonder, who also posted a 63 on Friday. Jaco Prinsloo and Ockie Strydom are currently tied third on nine under par following their second rounds of 68.
John has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and admits it was a relief to post a low score after weeks in which he’s had to pre-qualify on the Sunshine Tour and then been unable to make the cuts. But last week’s Joburg Open was something of a turning point for him as he finally made it to the weekend and finished tied 18th in this Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament.
“I’m very pleased with today’s round. I managed to give myself chances and took advantage of most of them. It was really nice to see a low score. That always helps. The last few weeks have been really tough physically and mentally. I’m happy it is finally showing signs of turning. If you look at the scores now it feels like a turning point for me,” said John.
The German professional is currently in his rookie season solely on the Sunshine Tour and has impressed all not just with his golf, but because of the fact that he is also severely hearing impaired.
John was born deaf. He wears hearing aids which take his hearing up to 85%, but there are still elements of professional golf that he has to deal with uniquely.
“When I was born, they didn’t do the hearing tests in the hospital. It was only later that my mother started to realise I wasn’t reacting to voices and sounds, and she then had tests done which confirmed my hearing impairment. When it comes to golf, every noise has a certain frequency, and high-pitched tones like birds are almost impossible for me to hear even with the hearing aids. And when it comes to the actual playing of the game, a professional golfer would normally react to the sound of the ball on the club or how the club hits the ground. But I don’t recognise those sounds. I do everything based on touch and feel. So I’ve had to teach myself to take my feedback directly from touch. That’s one of the main differences for me compared to other players. Also, when there’s wind on the course it’s annoying because the hearing aid becomes like a microphone in the wind. But I get along just fine.”
Now he has his best chance at a victory on the Sunshine Tour.
“I’m really enjoying this tournament at Serengeti. The weekend is going to be fun. I’ve got a lot of golf left – 36 holes. But I’m happy where I’m at now and let’s see what the weekend brings.”
