Peter Uihlein continued his encouraging return from injury with a sparkling 64 in round two of the BMW SA Open hosted by City of Ekurhuleni.
The American had battled through wrist pain in the early part of last season, achieving consecutive top tens in Malaysia, Australia and Thailand, but underwent surgery in May after his withdrawal from the Volvo China Open.
The 27 year old played just three more events in the 2016 campaign and after starting the new season with a missed cut at the Australian PGA Championship, finished 14th at the UBS Hong Kong Open.
That progress has continued at Glendower Golf Club with opening rounds of 70-64 leaving Uihlein just two shots off the lead, and he revealed playing with friends has been a major part of his recovery.
I am pleased with where I am. I just need to keep it going for the weekend - Peter Uihlein
"It's been good," he said. "I hadn't played in a long time and then came back in Australia which was great even though I missed the cut – it was just nice to get out there playing again.
"Then I played well in Hong Kong and I have been playing every day with a bunch of guys to keep myself sharp and I have been managing to do that. I don't like to lose a lot of money so I have had to be on my game at home!
"I have been feeling good so the expectations were pretty high coming here so I am pleased with where I am. I just need to keep it going for the weekend.
"I think a lot will depend on the weather this weekend – if it rains and the course gets softer it could become a birdie-fest but if not then the course will firm up and be a different challenge."
Jbe Kruger was also at ten under alongside countryman Trevor Fisher Jnr with Keith Horne a further shot back, and he was eager to see the home contingent challenging.
"You don't want to be the only South African leading in the tournament," he said. "It's nice to be the leading South African at the moment, you know, we've got big crowds here to support us and it makes the difference."
