Rowan Lester shot a five-under 67 to occupy a share of sixth place at the Sunshine Tour’s FNB Eswatini Challenge on the tour’s return from it’s mid-season break.
The Hermitage man began his round on the back nine at Ezulwini Golf & Country Club in the nation which borders the eastern region of South Africa, and recorded birdies on the 12th, 13th and 17th holes, but dropped a shot on 16 to turn at -2.
After three pars to start the front side, he then birdied three of the next four to move to -5 and played the final two in level-par to move inside the top 10.
Ranked 95th in the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit after making just one cut in his four starts, it’s an extremely welcome opening effort and he’s just two off the lead held by the all-South African trio of Martin Vorster, Altin van der Merwe, and Tyran Snyders.
Lester will be among the early starters on day two, and will be keen to build on his promising start and secure weekend work first and foremost and then turn his focus to earning valuable Order of Merit ranking points.
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