PRETORIA, 24 January 2015 – South Africa’s number two ranked amateur, Tristen Strydom, fired a four-under-par 68 to finish within one shot of first round pacesetter, Theunie Bezuidenhout, in the season-opening Gauteng North Open Stroke Play on Friday.

Strydom, a five-time winner last season, reeled in four birdies and an eagle to offset two bogeys to tie Gauteng North’s Teaghan Gauche for second.

The 17-year-old Ekurhuleni junior was pleased to get his 2015 season underway with a solid first round performance.

“It’s our first provincial open amateur event of the season and it’s important to get a solid finish this weekend with the South African Stroke Play Championship coming up,” said Strydom.

“You’re not only competing against the top amateurs in the game, but the Scots are out in full force and there are a lot of other international campaigners in the field. I’m looking for at least a top five finish to carry that confidence to Port Elizabeth, so I’m pleased with the start.

Meanwhile Rustenburg golfer Bezuidenhout edged in front with a five under 67.

Strydom was not surprised to see the North West Province golfer leading the chase.

“Less than four months ago, Theunie defeated me at the second hole of a sudden-death play-off at Irene Country Club to win the PWC Gauteng North Silver Salver,” the reigning Nomads SA Boys U-19 Stroke Play champion said.

“He always seems to excel at the top courses around Pretoria courses, so I expected him to be in the running. But we still have two rounds and lots of golf to play.”

Follow live scoring at http://www.gngu.co.za/scoring/res2015/open/sagaindx.htm

PHOTO – Tristen Strydom; credit Catherine Kotze / SASPA.