Tandi McCallum will go into the final round of the Standard Bank Pro-Am series at Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate two shots ahead of the field despite bogeying the last two holes en route to a five-under 67 on Wednesday.
McCallum had a fast start to her round, going five-under and bogey-free on the front nine thanks to birdies she made on the third, the fifth, seventh, eighth and ninth holes. She did not relent after the turn, birdieing the 10th to widen the gap between her and the closest chaser and winner of the first tournament of this season, Lindi Coetzee.
“Today felt really good,” said McCallum after her round. “I played the pro-am yesterday and I actually found the course quite difficult. The wind was quite challenging, the pins were a bit tucked in a lot of places and I think that helped me to have a slightly more conservative strategy and try to play par golf. With me playing par golf, I ended up putting well. I created a lot of birdie chances early on. I am very happy with my day, despite the bogey-bogey finish.”
The birdie on 10 was followed by another on the 12th as the wind started to pick up but McCallum held on, making four straight pars coming home. The final two holes proved to be a little tough as McCallum made back-to-back bogeys there.
“Putting was my strongest point today,” she added. “I made a lot of crucial putts, a lot of long putts for par which on any other day you would expect to two-putt. But we take it as it comes because today you might make a lot of putts and tomorrow is a different story altogether.
“I’m going to come tomorrow with the same conservative strategy and if I don’t start as hot as I did today, it’s still fine because there are a lot of birdies to be made out there on this golf course. But also, I think the trick is to not make mistakes. One shot at a time, as cliché as it sounds.”
McCallum has come close to winning a few times on the Standard Bank Pro-Am series and she says she feels it’s about time that she also etched her name in the history books of those who have claimed victory in this eight-tournament series.
“There is pressure, of course,” she admitted. “I think it’s time. I am capable of winning and I’ve been close a few times and I think it’s time to convert those into a win. That being said, I know if you try, it doesn’t happen and instead, you end up putting yourself under unnecessary pressure. So, I’ll try to be as relaxed as cooked spaghetti tomorrow.”
Coetzee carded a 69 and she sits second on the leaderboard while local player, Nadia van der Westhuizen is third on one-over-par.
“I hit the ball well the entire round,” said Van der Westhuizen of how she performed at her home course. The only thing that let me down was the putter today but I will go out there and work on it. Hopefully, tomorrow, it will all come together.”
The trio of Ivanna Samu, Bertine Faber and Shawnelle de Lange share fourth at two-over.
By Matthews Mfubu (Fullpage Media and Communications)
