With a victory in last week’s Alfred Dunhill Championship, Christian Bezuidenhout propelled himself back into the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
He’s continuing to prove worthy of that ranking with his early play at this week’s South African Open. Bezuidenhout recorded five birdies through his first nine holes and is one of six players who finished the day at 5 under.
The event, which is facing European Tour competition from the Golf in Dubai Championship this week, is being held at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa, about three hours away from Bezuidenhout’s hometown of Delmas.
Others who finished with a 67 on the day were Jacques Kruyswijk, Dean Burmester, Matthias Schwab, Aron Zemmer and Ruan Korb.
Dylan Frittelli is just one off the pace, tied with Frenchman Matthieu Pavon.
A round of 67 for last weeks winner on day one of the #SAOpen @BezChristiaan @Sunshine_Tour pic.twitter.com/sceqTuNVAb
— SAOpen (@SouthAfricaOpen) December 3, 2020
Bezuidenhout, who is the highest-ranked player in the field at this event, has plenty to play for. He’s at No. 41 in the OWGR and No. 50 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings. He’s also No. 9 in the Road to Dubai points standings.
His only slip-up on the day came on No. 3 as he missed an eight-foot par putt.
