Staff WriterChiara Tamburlini is making waves at the South African Open, charging into the weekend with a one-stroke lead at Erinvale Country & Golf Estate.
The Swiss star’s early brilliance has already caught the eye in this high-octane tournament, proving once again that in golf, winning truly takes care of everything else.
A Dazzling Start at Erinvale
Tamburlini, who rocked the Ladies European Tour last year with three impressive victories—including a Sunshine Ladies Tour co-sanctioned event—has not rested on her laurels.
Her seven-under-par 65 on Friday catapulted her to an overall 11 under par. With the South African Open in full swing, she’s in prime form, laying the foundations for another potential Order of Merit triumph.
“I’m really happy with how I played. Of course I think about last season and winning the Order of Merit, which I’d like to do again. But it’s difficult because there are a lot of good golfers out here.
I’m just trying to break it down to small goals for myself. I want to win a tournament again, and to do that I’ve got to hit a bunch of good shots during the week, and that’s what I’m trying to focus on,” said Tamburlini.
Navigating the Elements with Finesse
Erinvale’s morning started off like a painting—absolutely gorgeous—but by the second nine, the wind decided it was time to throw a bit of mischief into the mix.
Yet like a proper Irish hero facing an unruly spectator, Tamburlini kept her cool and her game as steady as ever.
“I converted my good approaches, and wasn’t really stressed when I had to chip to make par, so overall it was a really good day.”
Her confidence on the course is as apparent as the breathtaking views that define the venue.
“The front nine was still quite calm, but at the turn it got really hot and the wind picked up.
The wind was also on-and-off, so you had to adjust all the time. But my game is feeling good.”
Her ability to overcome the elements is key, as every stroke counts in this fiercely competitive South African Open.
Challengers Keep the Pressure On
While Tamburlini leads the charge, France’s Perrine Delacour is not far behind at 10 under par after a 69.
Delacour, whose play over the past two days has exuded a relaxed confidence, summed up her approach with a blend of humour and calm determination.
“It’s definitely been a good two days. It also helps a lot with this view here. Even after that three-putt at the last, I looked up and thought, ‘Okay, it’s just golf’.”
Delacour’s laid-back manner is evident not only in her play but also in her personal approach to the game.
“I’ve been pretty patient out there. I’m carrying my own bag and just enjoying it as much as I can.
So I’m just staying patient and trusting the process with my team. I’m definitely looking forward to the weekend.
And after my round I relax by watching The Masters, so it’s nice to see some good views there as well.”
A Field of Talent and Determination
The competition at the South African Open is proving to be as vibrant as the course itself.
Germany’s Aline Krauter sits comfortably at eight under par after a second round of 71, while the South African contingent is represented by Kiera Floyd and amateur Gia Raad, both posting strong numbers.
Floyd’s round of 67 and Raad’s 70 have positioned them as early contenders, with Raad set to claim the prestigious Jackie Mercer Trophy for the leading amateur.
As the weekend unfolds at Erinvale, every swing and chip seems to be plotting a little coup against the leaderboard.
With a motley crew of talented players vying for supremacy, the South African Open isn’t just a contest of clubs and putts—it’s a theatre of top-tier golf and those unforgettable moments that remind us all that on the fairway, a fearless attitude can be just as potent as any smooth swing.
Chiara Tamburlini and her formidable rivals are set to make this tournament a spectacle of resilience, strategy, and stunning golf—one that fans and players alike will remember long after the final putt.
