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GOLF-SUNSHINE

JOHANNESBURG Oct 20 Sapa

BREMNER LEADS HAIL-STRUCK BMG CLASSIC

Merrick Bremner fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 on Saturday morning to take the second-round lead at the BMG Classic, but the Cullinan professional might have a lengthy wait before he can challenge for his third Sunshine Tour title in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The sudden onset of a massive hailstorm just after 2pm caused an immediate suspension of play and, while the greens staff at Glendower Golf Club worked frantically to repair the damage inflicted by giant hail stones, the professionals raced to the car park to witness the massacre the storm left behind.

At 4pm, tournament director Dirk Cloete advised the players that the second round would resume on Sunday morning when it transpired that the damage to the course would take too time to repair.

There was extensive damage and we want to give the greenkeeper, Mike Burnard, sufficient time to repair the damage to the course, Cloete said.

Mike and his staff need time to remove the debris off the course and repair the greens to such an extent that it is equitable to continue with the round.

We will make a call about the resumption of the second round at 6.30am on Sunday morning, but at this stage it looks like we can still complete 54 holes if we are able to complete the second round by 10.30am.

"We are hopeful to have a two-tee start at around 11am, but that is a call we can only make on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Bremner had Jaco Ahlers for company at six under, but the Pretoria golfer had completed only nine holes when the storm struck.

The pair led Divan Gerber and Tyrone Mordt, who both carded 69s, by one shot.

Bremner carded an opening 73 in a gusting north-westerly wind on Friday afternoon and took advantage of an early tee time to launch his charge, completing his round in loops of 32 and 33.

After struggling in that three-club wind out there yesterday, it was a lot easier today, Bremner said.

It felt good to sign for a flawless card. I dont think Ive had a bogey-free round for at least a year. I can tell you, it felt good.

Although the 26-year-old hit only two fairways, his short game was on fire and he also enjoyed a bit of luck.

I hit only two fairways, but I didnt miss the rest by much," he said.

"I put a lot of work into my short game during the break and that really worked for me today.

"At this course you have to know where to miss it, and I was fortunate a couple of times today.

"I cant say it was all planned, but my short game was on and, if youre going to shoot a good score, you need a bit of luck.

Sapa

/wb