Reitan glides into the Nedbank Golf challenge weekend with narrow lead

Sun City - Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan continues to look right at home at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, posting a composed second-round 69 on Friday to move to 12-under-par and hold a one-shot lead heading into the weekend.

Reitan’s day looked almost effortless until back-to-back bogeys on the 15th and 16th briefly unsettled what had been a smooth march around the Gary player country club. Even so, his five birdies ensured he kept control of the leaderboard, and a closing birdie on the 18th restored the momentum he’d lost on the home stretch.

He admitted afterwards that his approach play didn’t always behave, but a sharp short game kept his round on track when it mattered. As the wind picked up and the course showed its teeth, he leaned heavily on patience, something this layout demands more than most, to keep his score moving in the right direction.

Behind him, South Africa’s Christian Bezuidenhout produced one of the standout rounds of the day with a sparkling 65. His charge included a chip-in from the bunker on the 11th, the highlight of a run of four consecutive birdies. Eight birdies in total and just a single dropped shot on the par-five 2nd lifted him to nine-under-par, only three behind Reitan and tied for third.

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Bezuidenhout’s tidy short game and accuracy off the tee were the pillars of his surge, building on his opening 70 and keeping him firmly in the hunt for the weekend. Despite not feeling as dialled in with his irons as he did on Thursday, he made the most of his chances, scoring better even when the swing didn’t feel at its best.

There was also plenty to cheer for local fans. Garrick Higgo backed up his opening 68 with a 69 to reach seven-under and sit inside the top five. He was joined by Daniel van Tonder, whose superb 67 vaulted him up the board and into the same position.

Day two of “Africa’s major” delivered exactly what this event has become known for: bold shot-making, a course showing its full character, and a leaderboard tightening at the top as the weekend pressure approaches.

Off the fairways, EWN Sport spoke to Nedbank group executive for marketing, Kensi Nobanda, who said the presence of global stars such as Viktor Hovland helps elevate the fan experience at a tournament that Nedbank proudly considers Africa’ premier golf event.

She reflected on the bank’s 40-year partnership with the tournament, calling it a flagship moment in Nedbank’s calendar and an opportunity to reward long-standing clients with world-class hospitality. Nobanda also highlighted the extensive behind-the-scenes work that brings the week to life, describing the event as “Nedbank at its very best.”

As the “green bank”, she added that sustainability remains a key pillar, from recyclable water systems to environmentally conscious materials used throughout the venue.

With Reitan holding a narrow advantage and several South Africans well withinstriking distance, the stage is set for a gripping weekend at Sun City.

Written by Lenno Wasara