Harvey holds tight lead after first round of Origins of Golf

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KNYSNA NEWS AND VIDEO - The first round of the 2023/24 Vodacom Origins of Golf final has wrapped up with Durban-based golfer Jared Harvey holding a one-shot lead at eight-under-par.

George golfer and Dimension Data Pro-Am winner Oliver Bekker lies tied-third, two shots off the lead.

Harvey benefitted from an early 06:55 start which saw him avoid the wind for most of his round and then enjoyed a bit more luck with his eagle two on the 17th. He wrapped up his round one shot clear of Neil Schietekat, who produced a brilliant back nine that consisted of six birdies. Bekker is tied with Rupert Kaminski for third place on six under par.

Tara Griebenow leads the way for the Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals with her opening round of four under par.

Harvey certainly took advantage of his favourable draw and his experience of a Pezula course which he played quite a few times in his days as a member of the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation in nearby George.

"I lived in for George for a bit and we played a few amateur tournaments here. So I know the course even though we haven’t been back here for a while with the tour. My game has also been there or thereabouts and I felt I was just lacking a spark. Today it arrived,” said Harvey.

"It was a little fortunate that I was off very early. For the first eight to 10 holes there was no breeze at all. I thought I could get off to a hot start and use the opportunity. I kind of felt that this was the kind of morning where if you're on your game you can make birdies and get going.”

If there was a sense that this was his day then it was confirmed with his eagle on the 17th.

"It’s a funny story actually. On the second day of the pro-am, that was the hole we started on with the shotgun start. I’ve got a trusty old two iron that’s like my baby. So yesterday I had a go for the green and the head of the club flew right off and it went into the fynbos in front of me. First hole of the pro-am. I managed to sort the club out and get it repaired. So when we got to 17 this morning I pulled out the same club hoping everything would stay intact, and I was very happy to see I’d hit the green and it was close to the flag."