Toto Thimba Jnr made two eagles and seven birdies on his way to a bogey-free round of 11-under-par 61 on day one of the eighth Altron Big Easy Tour event at Dainfern Golf Estate on Tuesday.
The 2019 KCB Karen Masters champion got off to a flying start in this first tournament of the new year; going five-under on the front nine, thanks to a pair of eagles and a birdie on that stretch. Thimba Jnr, who plays out of Silver Lakes Country Club, did not relent on the homeward nine and made six birdies for a 61.
He holds a three-shot lead over the trio of Henning du Plooy, Noel Anderson and Leon Vorster who share the second spot on eight-under after the first day’s outing.
What a start to 2024 for @TotoThimba 🤩#AltronBigEasyTour pic.twitter.com/sL8WRQ7aC6
— Altron Big Easy Tour (@bigeasytourgolf) January 9, 2024
🚗 🚓💨 The chasing pack.
— Altron Big Easy Tour (@bigeasytourgolf) January 9, 2024
2. Henning du Plooy
Noel Anderson
Leon Vorster #AltronBigEasyTour pic.twitter.com/c7W5Ur8984
“I have worked so hard this December after we returned from Mauritius,” stated Thimba Jnr. “I did a lot of training in the gym and mentally, I am very strong. Lost some weight. I drove it well today but I think I putted really well too. I found the putter I used as an amateur and started using it in Mauritius and it was okay. But, today, it felt good. I read the greens well.
“I am preparing myself for some of the big events that are coming up and to start a new year and a tournament this way is huge for my confidence. I feel like I am beginning to play solid golf again and I just want to keep the momentum.”
🗣️ @TotoThimba speaks after an incredible round of 61 ✍️#AltronBigEasyTour pic.twitter.com/uPm3Dnn8pe
— Altron Big Easy Tour (@bigeasytourgolf) January 9, 2024
Anderson attributed his own brilliant round at Dainfern to a change of strategy. The Fancourt player says his position on the Order of Merit (81st) required that he change tactics if he is to move up the rankings before the season ends.
“I putted quite nicely today and that is what I have been struggling with during the course of the season,” said Noel of his opening round at Dainfern. “I am glad it’s reflecting on the score. I didn’t make a lot of mistakes and that’s why I didn’t make any bogeys today.
“The greens are big here, so I could afford to come onto the greens with some longer clubs. I was a little aggressive today and I think I will do the same tomorrow because that’s what has been holding me back. I feel like I have been playing too tentatively and playing away from the flag and just trying to make cuts.
“But, the truth is that I am in a position on the Order of Merit where I need a win or a second place. My mentality now is just to go for it because the season is coming to an end and I must improve my position on the order of merit.”
Amateur, Pascal Gunther and Paul Boshoff share the fifth spot on the leaderboard after respective rounds of 65. Sabelo Majola, Callum Mowat, Warwick Purchase and Gregory McKay all shot 66s to tie the ninth position while Jastice Mashego, Werner Deyzel, Slade Pickering, Ruan de Smidt, Marthin Scheepers and Andrew McLardy signed for rounds of 67 to share the 10th spot.
SCORES:
61 - Toto Thimba Jnr
64 - Henning du Plooy, Noel Anderson, Leon Vorster
65 - Pascal Gunther, Paul Boshoff
66 - Gregory Mckay, Sabelo Xolani Majola, Callum Mowat, Warwick Purchase
67 - Werner Deyzel, Jastice Mashego, Andrew McLardy, Ruan de Smidt, Marthin Scheepers, Slade Pickering
68 - Oliver Goldhill, Travis Ladner, Dylan O'Leary, Vaughn van Deventer
69 - Elliot Bradley, Pierre Pellegrin, Steven Le Roux, Gerard du Plooy, Ricky Hendler, Keegan Mclachlan, Franklin Manchest, Philip Geerts, Luan Steenkamp
70 - Tristan Leonard, Andre Van Dyk, Caylum Boon, Stals Swart, Altin van der Merwe, Carlos Laranja, Harry Konig, Jason Froneman, Ruan Groenewald
71 - Samuel Simpson, Xander Basson, Andrew Williamson, Nicholaus Frade, Lyle Pedro, Zabastian de Jager, Christopher Long, Cameron Moralee, Thabang Simon, Andre De Decker, Dayne Moore, Ryan Tipping, Keelan Africa, Yurav Premlall, Christopher Bagnall
72 - Tumelo Molloyi, Eric Wowor, Lwazi Gqira, Rigardt Albertse, Omar Sandys, Jonathan Waschefort, Makhetha Mazibuko, Matthew Rushton, Wade Jacobs, Jacquin Hess, Slenda Sithebe, Shaheed Patel
73 - Bradford Vaughan, Thomas Strandemo, Mandla Dlamini Jnr, LB Boshoff, Coert Groenewald, Adriel Poonan, Francois Van der Walt, TJ Sandys
74 - Brandon Moodley, Joe Knox, Lindani Ndwandwe, Brandon-Jude Rennie, Brandon Gildenhuys, Siphiwe Siphayi, Conner Mackenzie
75 - Evance Vukeya, Therion Nel, Irvin Mazibuko, Jordan Duminy, Thabiso Ngcobo, Johan Theron
76 - Gerard Moodley, Alphius Kelapile, Siyanda Mwandla
77 - Sentanio Minnie, Jabulane Mabilane, Reinhardt Blaauw, Reece Mc Kain
78 - Carlo Heunis
79 - Ricco Motsa, Darren Gerrard
80 - John Bele
81 - Shalan Govender
82 - James Pennington
87 - Umar Davids
RTD - Musiwalo Nethunzwi