15th December 2017 | Alps Tour Golf
Venter holds firm in La Cala
South Africa’s Albert Venter holds firm on top of the leaderdoard after round 2 in Alps Tour Qualifying School Final Stage. He shot 70 on Asia course to add to his opening 65. He is -8, two shots clear of France’s Paul Bariteau and England’s Jack Singh Brar.
Bariteau was the first to lead at the club house with -6 while the overnight leader was still on course.
« I am happy with my round. I managed to keep the ball in play and did not make too many mistakes. I played steady and holed a few putts. I have to admit my coach Oliver Serres was really helpful as he is on the bag this week. He helped me with a good strategy to make the birdie on the 18th for example and to play in the wind yesterday. »
Venter had a colorful round, 3 bogeys, 3 birdies and one eagle but eventually a decent score.
« I had a rough start, I dropped a shot on the 11th and the 12th but I managed to get back on 15th and 16th which helped me quite a bit. But unfortunately, I missed a couple of shots on the 17th and 18th so I turned even par. The wind started to pick up and I needed to stay focus on the wind which was interesting. I am very pleased with my round today but for tomorrow, you can not take everything for granted so I am going to play every shot as it comes. »
The cut felt at +5, 75 players were on the right side. The top 35 will get a full category, 6, to play the Alps Tour next season and the followers will have an 8 category.
14th December 2017 | Alps Tour Golf
Venter strong in the wind
South Africa’s Albert Venter shot -6 on America course to lead after first day of Q school Final. The 21 year old player won the first stage a couple days ago and kept his momentum going into the final stage. The wind was strong and fresh on Costa del Sol today but he managed to keep the ball in play as he said.
« The course looks alike some in South Africa. It is a bit shorter but it is narrow and you have to keep the ball in play. I am happy to keep on playing well. I have some experience of playing in the wind, in Scotland for example. I played some event on European Tour, (Dunhill Links) but I missed the first stage by one so I am here to play in Europe next year. »
Venter just turned pro 2 months back. He was third at the Amateur ranking in South Africa.
Spain’s Ivan Cantero Gutierrez signed for best score on Asia course with -4. Only one shot back, Italy’s Federico Zucchetti and Scot Clarke Lutton, who both played on Asia course.
The top 65 and ties will make the cut after the second round is completed, the current limit is +4
