Golf
Big Easy on fire in Hong Kong on 45th birthday─── 09:25 Fri, 17 Oct 2014
South Africa’s Ernie Els has taken the outright lead at the Hong Kong Open after carding a second round of 5 under par 65 to take him to 9 under.
Kimberley-born Jbe Kruger, who was with Els in tied third after the first round has however dropped back following a round of 1 under to seen him into tied 12th on 5 under par.
The Big Easy, who is celebrating his 45th birthday today, is two shots clear of France’s Raphaël Jacquelin who is on 7 under par.
The four-time major champion said he feels the course at the Hong Kong Golf Club is there for the taking.
“I played quite nicely and 65 is exactly what I needed to do, the course is there for the taking but I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.
“I lost my concentration a little bit after the fourth hole, so I didn’t quite play as well as I did at the beginning of the round so I would like to improve on that.
“I feel really good about my ball striking and I’m putting it nicely,” the tall South African said about his second round.
Els, who shot four birdies in five holes feels this is where the difference came in with his round.
“That’s why I say I had a good run going and the fourth hole was bit of a bummer.
“I feel like my game is right there, I love the golf course, I love the old style traditional golf that we play here and the greens are great. If I’m on tomorrow we’ll try shoot something low,” Els said sharing his sentiments on the course in the Chinese city.
The Big Easy said he would without a doubt celebrate his 45th birthday today.
“Ja, you know without any alcohol, I’ll have a bit of cake and go back to the hotel, have a shower, relax and see what we’ll do for dinner tonight,” he concluded.
South Africa’s Justin Walters on 1 over and Bryce Easton on 3 over par missed the cut.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
