Samuel Simpson took an early tee-off time and used it to his advantage as he signed for an eight-under-par 64 to lead the Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship at St Francis Links on Thursday.
“I’m really happy with today’s round. I think any time you step on St Francis Links, no matter what the weather is, you’ll take that score. Teeing off early this morning was a big advantage, and according to early weather forecasts it was definitely a benefit,” he said after a round of seven birdies and an eagle, with just a solitary bogey.
He is two strokes clear of the resurgent Hennie du Plessis following his 66.
“My game plan and main priority around this course was to make my pars, and hit the fairways and greens,” Simpson said. “I’ve had to reign myself back and learn how to do that. It’s funny how I can sometimes gather momentum from that and make one or two putts, like today.
“The bogey on the par-three 7th hole was a bit frustrating though, as I’ve hit a good shot straight through the wind. That is, however, part of playing at the coast and in these types of conditions.”
Looking ahead to the rest of this tournament, Simpson spoke passionately about wanting to focus on being more realistic on the ups-and-downs of golf.
“I think going into the next three days, the game plan is to have the acceptance that bad stuff can happen, even after executing a shot well.
“According to the weather report the next three days will be very hard, so I need to just keep hitting the fairways and greens in regulation and have a good attitude about good and bad golf shots.
“I’ve been working hard this year to give myself a bit of grace.”
This kind of start on the back of his maiden Sunshine Tour win at the Mopani Zambia Open in June has Simpson excited about the future
“Having the win earlier this year has been a real blessing to qualify for the next couple of events,” he said. “Playing off that momentum, knowing that I am capable of doing it out here, is a big boost and I really want to do that again. Whether that is this week or a few years down the line, I am pushing for that.”
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Photo: Carl Fourie/Sunshine Tour
Article Link: Simpson leads Sunshine Tour's PGA Championship