Smith claims breakthrough Big Easy victory

England’s Daniel Smith rallied from behind to claim his maiden Betway Big Easy Tour win, thanks to a final-round 70 at Akasia Golf Club on Friday.

His total of seven-under-par 209 proved enough for the Englishman to walk away with a one-stroke win over Wandre Snyman. Smith’s final round featured five birdies and three dropped shots.

“Today was stressful, actually,” admitted Smith. “I started the round a couple behind and then it got quite tight towards the end of the front nine. I thought I was there or thereabout with a few holes to play, and it’s always stressful. So, I am happy to not make too many mistakes coming in.

“Personally, it’s just nice to get it done. Once you’ve been close and you’re not getting it done, it’s a bit of a monkey on your back. But, once you get it off, hopefully, I can push on from here.”

Smith’s win follows a series of strong performances on this Sunshine Tour development circuit, making this victory even sweeter for the Englishman.

“I am happy to get it done because I have had a few close ones over the last couple of weeks,” said Smith of his recent form.

Despite his gallant effort which yielded a superb 68 in the final round, Snyman will make do with a second-place finish again this week, having lost in a play-off against Ruben Van Der Berg at ERPM Golf Club.

Toto Thimba Jnr also showed his class this week and his final-round 71 helped him to a solo third finish on a tournament total of 5-under-par 211.

Another player who showed up this week and gave a solid account of himself was the big-hitting Christian Kriek. Rounds of 72, 69 and 72 earned him a share of fourth with winner of the first event, Jordan Wessels. Wessels is having a fairytale start to his rookie season as a professional.

The 21-year-old boasts a win already and lies second on the Order of Merit and has consistently challenged for victories, perhaps a sign of things to come from the GolfRSA graduate.

The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and enjoys the support of the legendary Ernie Els, among other patrons.

Scores

209 - Daniel Smith 70 69 70

210 - Wandre Snyman 69 73 68

211 - Toto Thimba Jnr 71 69 71

213 - Jordan Wessels 72 70 71

213 - Christian Kriek 72 69 72

214 - Philip Geerts 71 73 70

215 - Noel Anderson 70 75 70

215 - Werner Deyzel 68 76 71, Hannes Strooh 75 72 68

216 - Jaco Anderson 71 73 72

216 - Vaughn van Deventer 70 73 73, Rhys Enoch 72 70 74, Jordan Duminy 68 73 75

217 - Travis Ladner 71 74 72

217 - Keelan Africa 69 76 72, Jaden Deltel 72 74 71, Luke Truter 73 73 71, Ruan de Smidt 66 71 80, Jonathan Wilsenach 73 74 70

218 - Kian Coetzer 69 77 72

218 - Ruben Van Der Berg 73 71 74

219 - Makhetha Mazibuko 70 74 75

219 - Leon van der Walt 77 70 72, Musiwalo Nethunzwi 75 72 72

220 - Keagan Crosbie 73 72 75

220 - Romano Saincic 71 75 74, Tristan Leonard 74 72 74

221 - Ethan Gough 74 71 76

221 - Luke Joy 72 73 76, Jan-Hendrik Nieuwoudt 71 76 74, Thabiso Ngcobo 71 76 74, Sentanio Minnie 73 74 74

222 - Louis Liebenberg 75 71 76

222 - Max Nicholls 76 70 76, Jacques Van der Merwe 72 70 80, Jacquin Hess 71 76 75

223 - Wiehan Van der Walt 73 74 76

224 - Ruan Groenewald 75 72 77

226 - Minjun Heo 73 73 80

229 - Jastice Mashego 73 74 82