Conor Purcell praised his mentality on the golf course as he overcame difficult conditions to produce a fabulous back nine which has reignited his chances of winning a maiden Challenge Tour title at the Dimension Data Pro-Am.
Purcell came home in 31 strokes for a 67 to move into a share of sixth place on six-under-par, four shots behind leader David Ravetto.
“Today was a mental battle. A lot of adverse weather conditions to deal with,” explained Purcell who endured a rollercoaster front nine with four birdies, a double bogey and two bogeys before exploding after the turn with an eagle, birdie, birdie run and another birdie at the sixth.
“A lot of stoppages and staying out there was probably the worst part of it because you’re just out here not knowing what’s going to happen so just managed to make plenty of birdies and keep myself in the hunt.”
The tournament is being played across three courses at Fancourt Golf Estate and the Portmarnock man was pleased to take advantage of the easier Outeniqua course before tackling the links on Saturday.
“It’s nice to play one of the easier course but it can be tricky. Some of the tee shots are quite difficult, kept in play really well and gave myself plenty of chances.
“I haven’t played the links this week in practice but judging by the scores I know it will be a tough test I played it last year and enjoyed it so I will give it a good go.’
Purcell will make the move to Kenya next week on the DP World Tour for his third start of the season. Having narrowly missed out on a card at last year’s Challenge Tour Grand Final, the 26-year-old is determined to break into the top-20 in the order of merit.
“Get in that top-20, see how many DP World Tour events I get into as well and plan my schedule around that. Top 20 and get a card at the end of the year.”
Ravetto battled tough conditions to open a one-stroke lead after 36 holes of the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate.
As the gusts picked up in George, so did the Frenchman, getting to ten under par after following up his four under opening effort on the Montagu with a six under 66 on the Outeniqua course.
South African Louis Albertse, who played alongside Ravetto, is in second place on nine under par heading into the weekend after he also posted a six under 66 on the Outeniqua.
Ravetto was pleased with how he was able to adapt his game in the breezy conditions in George and took advantage of the soft greens on day two at Fancourt Golf Estate.
“It was a pretty good day considering the conditions,” he said. “It was raining all day and it was extremely windy. Outeniqua is the easiest of the three courses and I got fortunate with the draw in that respect but I still had to play really solid golf and I made an eagle and six birdies so I am very happy.
“I had to adapt my game in the conditions because water was remaining on the greens. They were a lot softer than the last couple of days but we were able to get a bit more aggressive to the pin which was a positive. I would like to say a big thank you to the greenkeepers because they managed to get the water off as quick as they could and the conditions were pretty good for putting all day.
“I knew the conditions were going to be tough so when I arrived this morning my plan was to just hang in there and make a few birdies. Luckily it worked out and I’m in a good position heading into the weekend.”
The 26-year-old, who retained his DP World Tour playing privileges through Qualifying School at the end of last season, is keen to build momentum this week after an extended break over the winter period.
“I’m going to have fun tomorrow,” he said. “I’m trying to get back in the rhythm before I head to Kenya to play on the DP World Tour next week because I had a long break over the winter. I’m playing off a Qualifying School category so it is important to make it count when I get into the early events on the DP World Tour.”
South African Zander Lombard and Frenchman Pierre Pineau occupy third place on eight under par, while Englishman Sam Hutsby is a shot further back in fifth.
Meanwhile, Mark Power and Gary Hurley are on one-over-par with Jonathan Caldwell and Richie O’Donovan a shot further back.
Dermot McElroy is on five-over with Ronan Mullarney on six-over.
Scoring HERE
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