HARTEBEESPOORT, 23 October 2014 – Chris Delport produced a magnificent eagle to vault into pole position with former champion Mellette Hendrikse, while three-time champion Jock Wellington was at his vintage best in the second round of the Indwe Risk Services SA Senior Amateur Stroke Play Championship on Thursday.
Hendrikse, the champion in 2012, birdied all four par fives at Pecanwood Country Club for a 70 to set the clubhouse target at six-under-par 138.
Delport reeled in birdies at the fourth and fifth holes on his back nine before knocking in a foot-long putt for eagle at the par-five seventh for 69 and a share of the A-Section lead.
Wellington, meanwhile, offset two bogeys with three birdies and vaulted within two shots of pacesetters after he holed out at the par-three 13th.
The 63-year-old, who won the prestigious national championship in 2001, 2006 and 2008, signed for a 69 to claim a share of third on four under with overnight leader, Johan Marais, who carded a 73.
Delport was relaxed about the prospect of taking on Gauteng North stablemate Hendrikse, who came into the championship on the back of his fifth victory this season.
“As far as I am concerned, Mellette is the tournament favourite and all the pressure is on him,” the 54-year-old Zwartkops player said.
“I once played a league match against a young Rory Sabbatini. I told him: ‘Youngster, if you beat me today, all the guys will say hard luck, but if I beat you, they will call it major upset’.
“It’s the same for Mellette. His game is rock solid at the moment. I had one bad shot at the third, where I thought I took a nine-iron and smashed a seven-iron into the houses. Otherwise I had a great day out there. You never know what will happen on the day.”
Hendrikse was two off the pace after two rounds last year, but his title defence was derailed when organisers were forced to call a 36-hole tournament due adverse weather conditions at Fancourt.
The 54-year-old Akasia golfer has dominated the senior amateur circuit this season, but is cautious ahead of the final round.
“I’m striking the ball very well, but the putter went ice-cold on me out there,” he said. “I was hitting my irons close, but I just couldn’t sink a putt. It was just one of those days, I guess. I may have to stick the putter in oven before we tee off tomorrow.”
Compiled by Lali Stander
Chris Delport in contention at the Senior Champs