Staff WriterThere’s no place like home—especially when the Kit Kat Pro-Am comes calling at Irene Country Club.
South African favourite Dylan Frittelli is charging up the leaderboard, just two shots back from the relentless Luis Carrera, heading into what promises to be a pulsating Sunday showdown at the Kit Kat Pro-Am.
For Frittelli, Saturday was more than a round of golf; it was a walk down memory lane. Returning to the fairways that shaped his career, he matched Carrera’s 66 to sit alone in second on 18 under par, stalking the Mexican frontrunner who leads at 20 under.
“I played well today. I just need to keep on it tomorrow. As long as I can be in touching distance over the last few holes, I think I can back myself to win,” said a bullish Frittelli after a round that was equal parts nostalgia and precision.
Frittelli, a product of Irene’s tough bounces and trickier greens, has gone on to lift trophies on the Sunshine Tour, DP World Tour, and PGA Tour.
Now, he’s staring down the chance to claim victory in front of those who watched him grow up—an opportunity that clearly isn’t lost on him.
“It’s really good to be back at Irene. I’m enjoying it a lot and it’s fun to see some familiar faces from 15 to 20 years ago.
I’m happy to play a course with different skills now and a different view of the course from when I last saw it,” Frittelli reflected, almost as if he was already penning the next chapter of his homecoming story.
Yet, if Frittelli’s return is the sentimental favourite, Carrera is all business. The Mexican has been on a tear, fresh from snatching his first Sunshine Tour win at last week’s FBC Zim Open after blitzing through Qualifying School.
The Kit Kat Pro-Am could be Carrera’s stage for consecutive Tour titles—a statement run from a player who seems to be allergic to nerves.
The leaderboard, though, is more crowded than a discount aisle the day after Halloween. Gerhard Pepler fired a spotless 65 to keep himself in the hunt, while veteran Trevor Fisher Jnr. signed for a 67. Both men are lurking just three shots off the lead on 17 under par, well within striking distance if the leaders falter.
Let’s not overlook Kieran Vincent, either. The defending champion showed he isn’t ready to hand over his crown, carding a 66 to stay in the mix at 15 under par, tied for sixth.
So, as the sun rises over Irene Country Club for the Kit Kat Pro-Am finale, the stage is set.
Will it be a homecoming coronation for Frittelli, a back-to-back triumph for Carrera, or a late charge from the chasing pack?
With this much firepower packed into a leaderboard, one thing’s certain: Sunday’s final round won’t be short on drama—or sugar rushes.
