South Africa’s Tjaart van der Walt hit the front as the second round of the Joburg Open began, but it was compatriot Justin Walters who was making the biggest charge.
Low scoring had been the order of the opening day, with Nic Henning’s course-record equalling 62 setting the pace on nine under and van der Walt part of a three-strong group one behind.
The lowest totals had come on Royal Johannesburg & Kensington’s West Course, with everyone in the bumper 210-man field tackling the west and east layouts over the first two rounds before the East Course hosts the final 36 holes.
Van der Walt, twice a European Tour runner-up but seeking a maiden victory, birdied three of his first six holes on the more demanding East Course to reach 11 under par for the week.
That was two clear of Henning, who was yet to tee off, England’s Simon Dyson and Anthony Wall – both of whom were going well on the East Course – and Walters and Thomas Aiken, who were both tackling the West Course.
Walters’ efforts were most notable, as he reached the turn in a eight under par 28 thanks to six birdies and an eagle at the long ninth.
