Reuters – South Africa’s Michiel Bothma finished his last nine holes in 31 strokes to take the lead of the rain delayed dunhill championship at Leopard Creek Country Club. Bothma, who was four under par through nine holes when play was stopped on Thursday due to bad light, took advantage of benign early morning conditions to finish with an eight under par 64 and a two stroke lead over England’s Phillip Archer.
Archer shot 66 on Thursday before thunderstorms stopped play for over two hours and the afternoon field were unable to complete their rounds.
Bothma, whose only international victory came at the 2002 South African PGA Championship, began on the 10th hole, started with a birdie on the par four before registering an eagle on the par five 15th.
Defending champion Charl Schwartzel was six under par alongside Archer when his round was stopped on Thursday, but he dropped four shots over his last five holes on Friday, finishing tied 21st with a two under 70.
Sweden's Jarmo Sandelin and South African Jean Hugo are three shots off the pace in third position after shooting five under par 67s, while World Number Five Ernie Els is in a tie for 35th after opening with a 71.
