Euros take control in Tshwane Open

Thomas Aiken threw a brilliant 62 at the cause, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Europeans from taking a firm hold on this year’s Tshwane Open headed into the weekend at Pretoria Country Club.

Aiken’s remarkable round lifted him to eight under alongside fellow South Africans Peter Karmis and Justin Walters.

But that’s two strokes adrift of leaders Alexander Björk of Sweden and Scotland’s Scott Jamieson. And one stroke behind them lies England’s James Morrison.

Björk shared the lead for the second day running following his second round of 67, while Jamieson climbed into contention with a 65.

“I’m really happy. I’m in the perfect position going into the weekend,” said Björk, who has graduated from the Challenge Tour and is clearly enjoying the bigger stage. “I like it out here.”

Jamieson made it into the clubhouse minutes before a lightning delay to the round. He has won before in South Africa in the 2012 Nelson Mandela Championship.

“I’ve been very solid from tee to green, and hopefully I can make a lot more putts on the weekend,” he said.

South Africans have dominated the Tshwane Open over the past four years, with only England Ross Fisher managing to break their hold on this title with his win in 2014.

In current form all eyes will be on Aiken to maintain the local grip on this tournament.

At one point during his 62, Aiken said he was definitely thinking about shooting golf’s magical 59.

“It was there. You don’t get too many opportunities in your career to shoot one so you’ve got to give it a go, especially when you’ve got a few holes where birdies are on the cards. I did my best to try and make a few and it just didn’t happen. It just shows that when you force things in this game it doesn’t happen. But I had to try. I was very pleased with the way I played,” he said.