Shane Lowry had applause in holing an eagle shot from a bunker at the par four last hole drowned out by loud music already coming from the 101st anniversary rally taking place on Saturday in the close by Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
Lowry’s three under par 69 to move to five under par sees him in a six-way tie for fourth but also six shots behind Scotland’s Scott Jamieson (64) and Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee (68) in second on 11-under par.
South African’s Louis Oosthuizen birdied his closing two holes for a 64 in the wet and miserable conditions to lead the 33-player field on 12-under par.
Some 80,000 people are expected to gather for the ANC rally where South African President Jacob Zuma will address the crowd before then attending the afternoon play in the Euro 2m tournament.
And while the spectators clapped Lowry spectacularly holing his 20-foot bunker shot for an eagle two at the 18th it was a Euro 45,000 Volvo FH Series truck that Lowry had his mind on as it is the prize for an ace at the short and driveable final hole on the Indian Ocean shoreline course.
“I hit a nice 3-wood at the last that just caught the bunker but it was great to see the eagle chip shot take one bounce and drop in the hole,” he said.
“But it would have been great to win the truck. I can see myself driving around back home in that.
“So I’d love to win the truck and give it a go.”
Padraig Harrington birdied the last in a score of 71 to move to a share of 13th place on three under par but was left ruing losing a ball and taking a double bogey after his drive at the 14thcannoned off a tree and could not be found.
“I played really poorly today and really struggled but putted really well but then it was disappointing to lose a ball there on 14,” he said.
“But that’s how a first week back from a long break can be like.
“However if I can putt like I have for these first two days for the rest of the year I will be very happy.”
“So the new routine has lasted two days and it’s just good to be holing some solid putts.
“I’m pleased as well I’ve still got two more days down here in Durban as I haven’t hit the ball well as my good shots are pulls and my bad shots could be anywhere.
“So there’s still a lot of rust in that aspect of my game but I am just thrilled I am hitting some nice putts.”
Darren Clarke shot a 68 to advance to a tie for 20th on two under par while Michael Hoey posted a 74 to drop to a share of 25th at two over par.
