Everything you need to know from day two in Johannesburg.
Shaun stormed ahead, James was feeling good, Burmy was landing big birds and there were hole-outs a plenty on day two of the 2022 Steyn City Championship.
Here is everything you need to know from Friday at The Club at Steyn City..
Norris goes low to hit the front
Shaun Norris fired a brilliant bogey-free 62 to get to 18 under and take a three-shot lead into the weekend. The South African's 18 under par 36-hole total matches the record of countryman Ernie Els at the 2004 Heineken Classic but, with preferred lies in place after heavy rain earlier in the week, Norris will not enter the history books alongside the four-time Major Championship winner. “Overall my game was great and I gave myself a lot of chances," he said. "I’m smiling out there and I’m very happy. My gameplan will stay the same. I’ll keep smiling, we’ll have fun out there and see what happens." Compatriot James Hart du Preez was Norris' nearest challenger, two clear of another South African in Dean Burmester.
Relaxed Du Preez stays in the mix
One of the hardest things to do in golf is follow up a low round with another one but Du Preez did just that on Friday. After a brilliant opening 63, he carded a 66 in round two and felt his outlook on the game had a lot to do with it. "I'm super easy-going off the course but all of us that play are super competitive and I tend to get a little bit too hard on myself when things aren't going well," he said. "So the fact that I've been the same on the course as off the course has been very pleasing."
Big birds for Burmester
To make an eagle is an achievement. To make two in a round is rare. To make two on back-to-back holes is remarkable but that is what Burmester did on the tenth and 11th. After putting his second to eight feet on the par-five tenth and making the putt, he put his drive to similar range on the 364-yard 11th. That is some going.
No putter required
Whether it be Burmester from the sand or Romain Langasque from around the green - the wedge play on Friday was exquisite.
Harding shows his support
Many players have been wearing ribbons on their hats showing support for Ukraine recently but on Friday Justin Harding was using his shoes. You can find out about the #golfersforukraine initiative here.
Speaking of footwear..........
At 7,716 yards and undulating, The Club at Steyn City is quite a test. Joost Luiten spoke in his post-round interview of how long the walk was and Hennie du Plessis was really feeling it. "I've got blisters on my feet so it's definitely a long walk," he said. Professional golf is certainly not all glamour.
