Francesco Laporta carded a clinical 64 on Friday to take the lead of the 115th Investec South African Open at 10-under-par. While the Italian holds the top spot, the second day at Stellenbosch Golf Club was defined by a record-breaking performance from South Africa’s Hennie du Plessis and an electric atmosphere as the “Pathway to Augusta” narrowed for the field.
The Italian Connection
Laporta took full advantage of a windstill morning in the winelands, playing with the poise of a man who knows these conditions intimately. Having lived in Johannesburg for several years and previously competed on the Sunshine Tour, he found the modernized Stellenbosch layout strikingly familiar.
“I like playing in South Africa. It’s been my second home for a long time. This course actually reminds me a lot more of the Johannesburg courses. It’s tough, the fairways are tight and there’s a lot of rough so you have to hit it straight,” said Laporta. He is now just 36 holes away from potentially becoming the first Italian winner in the tournament’s history.
A New Course Record
The calm morning air also paved the way for Hennie du Plessis to deliver the performance of the day. Du Plessis carded a course-record 63, a benchmark confirmed by Stellenbosch Golf Club in light of their recent tee box changes and the enlarged water hazard on the 18th. The round moved Du Plessis into serious contention at seven-under-par.
Local favorite Dean Burmester remains the primary South African threat in third place at eight-under-par. Despite a 67 on Friday, Burmester felt he didn’t fully capitalize on the gettable conditions, noting that his “driver misbehaved quite a bit.” He sits just two shots off Laporta’s lead heading into the weekend.
Major Casualties: Augusta Dreams Cut Short
The high stakes of the tournament—which include a direct invitation to The Masters at Augusta National for the winner—saw several high-profile players fall out of the competition. For these legends and favorites, the chance to secure that flight to Georgia this April has vanished:
Ernie Els (+6): The five-time winner and local legend finished well outside the cut line after a 72.
Charl Schwartzel (+5): The 2011 Masters champion will miss the final two rounds.
Dylan Naidoo (+3): The defending champion’s bid for a repeat ended as he missed the weekend play.
Thriston Lawrence (+2): One of the country’s top-ranked stars failed to make the cut.
Jack Buchanan (+2): After an impressive start, the Africa Amateur champion missed the cut following a 73.
International star Patrick Reed (Par) managed to survive the cut on the number, meaning he remains on the “Pathway,” though he faces a ten-stroke gap to the lead.
The Chase Continues
With the field narrowed, the battle for a place in South African Open history enters its final 36 holes. Whether it is a maiden Italian victory for a man who considers this his second home, or a local hero like Burmester or Du Plessis reclaiming the trophy, the road to the Green Jacket remains the most compelling story in global golf this weekend.
