Following the first round of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Mont Choisy Le Golf, three South Africans are in close pursuit of England’s Eddie Pepperell, who leads with an impressive 6-under-par 66. Jayden Schaper, Wilco Nienaber, and Jacques Blaauw each completed their opening rounds at 4-under-par 68, just two strokes behind the leader.
Jayden Schaper’s Strong Finish
Jayden Schaper, 23, recorded a steady start with a level-par 36 on the front nine. However, his performance surged on the back nine, where he posted a 4-under 32. Schaper’s round included back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th holes and a spectacular eagle on the par-5 18th, securing a solid finish to his round.
Wilco Nienaber’s Resilience
Wilco Nienaber, also 23, showcased remarkable resilience to join Schaper at 4-under 68. Despite a challenging triple bogey on the par-5 5th, a bogey on the par-3 8th, and another dropped shot on the par-4 10th, Nienaber’s aggressive play paid off. He recorded birdies on the 2nd, 6th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 18th holes, along with an eagle on the par-5 7th. If Nienaber can minimize mistakes in the coming rounds, his fearless, attacking style could lead to record-breaking scores.
Jacques Blaauw’s Steady Back Nine
At 38 years old, Jacques Blaauw also finished the day at 4-under 68. After a level-par 36 on the front nine, Blaauw came alive on the back nine with a 4-under 32. His round included birdies on the 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th, and 18th holes, bouncing back strongly after a bogey on the 10th.
JJ Senekal and Christo Lamprecht also made solid starts, both carding rounds of 3-under 69 to stay within striking distance of the leaders.
Jacob Olesen shares his thoughts after shooting an opening round bogey free 67 at @MC_Le_Golf.#AfrAsiaBankMauritiusOpen pic.twitter.com/5KmomtTtZL
— AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open (@AfrAsiaMRUOpen) December 19, 2024
Looking Ahead
After underwhelming performances at last week’s Alfred Dunhill Championship, where Schaper and Nienaber missed the cut and Blaauw finished 53rd, the trio is eager to make a strong push for top honours this weekend.
Notably absent this year is Louis Oosthuizen, the defending champion, who is not participating in this edition of the Mauritius Open. However, the South African contingent remains well-represented and poised to contend in the coming rounds.
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