South African duo Jayden Schaper and Hennie du Plessis set early pace in Germany
South African duo Jayden Schaper and Hennie du Plessis hold a share of the lead after a low-scoring opening round at the BMW International Open.
Hennie du Plessis holds onto BMW International Open after stunning eagle finish
The South African held a share of the first-round lead after a flawless eight-under-par 64 but patience was all important in the early stages of his second round.
It wasn't until the 11th that he made his first birdie of the day, before a strong finish saw him card a 69 to reach 11 under and hold a one-shot lead at Golfclub München Eichenried.
Countryman Michael Hollick, Mexico's Carlos Ortiz and England's Jack Senior are his closest challengers in Germany, where the final event of the DP World Tour's European Swing is taking place.
On track for his career-best season on the DP World Tour, having finished in the top five across three consecutive starts on his home continent from late February to early March, Du Plessis is in the hunt to become the tenth first-time winner this campaign.
"I think I'm comfortable with my game," said Du Plessis. "I don't necessarily say I'm comfortable around this golf course. I think it's very demanding.
"You need to drive it well. Obviously putt well [too]. It's hard to say that I'm feeling comfortable. I think I'm just comfortable with my game at the moment.
"It's fun. I haven't been in contention since the Joburg Open and [Investec] SA Open, so it's been a good nine to ten weeks since that.
"I'm very excited to be in the mix. It's a pleasure to be in the mix on the DP World Tour, so I'm very happy and grateful."
After opening with seven consecutive pars, Christiaan du Plessis made his first bogey of the tournament at the eighth and turned at seven under, three shots off the lead.
He responded with birdies at the 11th and 13th, recovered from another bogey at the 15th with a birdie at the 16th, and capped his round in spectacular fashion by holing a 16-foot eagle putt at the last after a superb 226-yard approach to boost his position heading into the weekend.
"My caddie gave me the perfect yardage and we sort of agreed on a line, middle green, but I mean I told him you can't give me a perfect number and not expect me to have a little go at it," he said of his sparkling finish.
"So, very pleased with the way I've been playing and what a great way to finish that tough day as well."
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