Ruan de Smidt Takes Early Lead at Betway Big Easy Tour with Bogey-Free 66

Posted : 02 July 2026

Ruan de Smidt produced a superb bogey-free round of six-under-par 66 to claim a two-shot lead after the opening day of the fifth Betway Big Easy Tour event at Akasia Golf Club on Wednesday.

The tournament, originally scheduled to begin on Tuesday, was postponed by one day due to nationwide protests, with play eventually getting underway on Wednesday.

De Smidt made an impressive start, picking up birdies at the first and third holes before settling into a steady rhythm with three consecutive pars. He then found another gear on the front nine, collecting birdies at the seventh, eighth and ninth holes to head into the turn in complete control.

Reflecting on his performance, De Smidt said his round was built on a combination of solid ball-striking and an effective short game. He credited a couple of chip-ins during the opening nine for helping him build momentum and felt he had played particularly well before making the turn.

The back nine presented a different challenge, with birdie opportunities proving harder to convert. Nevertheless, De Smidt remained composed, stringing together seven consecutive pars before adding another birdie on the 17th to complete a flawless round without dropping a shot.

Despite his strong start, the South African admitted there was room for improvement, particularly with his putting on the inward nine. After taking just nine putts on the front nine, he needed 17 on the back, although he was pleased to finish at six under par. He also expressed hope that he could maintain consistency throughout the tournament after struggling to build on promising starts in recent weeks.

Three players remain within striking distance heading into the second round. Leon Visser, Jordan Duminy and Werner Deyzel each carded four-under-par 68s to sit just two strokes behind the leader.

Visser described his round as eventful, explaining that he initially struggled before finding his rhythm on the greens. A run of four consecutive one-putts transformed his scorecard and left him satisfied with a positive opening round after slow starts in previous tournaments. He added that getting off to a strong start was vital for building a successful week and said he was determined to challenge for the title.

Kian Coetzer, Wandré Snyman and Keelan Africa of Worcester Golf Club share fifth place after posting rounds of three-under-par 67.

A further group of players, including Makhetha Mazibuko, England's Daniel Smith, Joshua van der Wath, Noel Anderson and Vaughn Van Deventer of State Mines Country Club, are tied for eighth after opening with two-under-par 70s.

The Betway Big Easy Tour serves as the official feeder circuit to the Sunshine Tour, providing emerging golfers with an important pathway to higher-level professional competition. The series also enjoys the support of golfing legend Ernie Els and continues to play a significant role in developing South Africa's next generation of talent.

Ruan de Smidt Takes Early Lead at Betway Big Easy Tour with Bogey-Free 66

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