Darren Fichardt has won all but three of his 20 pro career tournaments on the Africa continent.

Imagine then how the 42-year old father of two was feeling in the days leading up to this week’s Nedbank Challenge at Sun City.

Earlier this year he captured a fifth European Tour title with victory in the Joburg Open and naturally was desperate to get a stat in this week’s $US 7.5m event.

But at 87th on the Race to Dubai that seemed unlikely.

Darren Fichardt making the most of his very late call-up into the Nedbank Challenge. (Photo – European Tour/Getty)

However fate then played a hand with a number of withdrawals including the England duo of the 29th ranked Matthew Southgate and the current 76th ranked Anthony Wall.

Fichardt learnt of his inclusion very late on Wednesday and now has made the most of his appearance in carrying the Rainbow Nation leading honours to be tied second on four-under par through two rounds of the tournament.

“I was probably the most bitter person in South Africa on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, because I really, really am playing well and it was just a shame I wasn’t getting into these events,” he said.

“So unfortunately for Matthew Southgate and Anthony Wall, but fortunate for me, they had to pull out, and it gave me an opportunity to give it a crack.

“That’s just how the game those. I have an opportunity to play this tournament, and I love this track. My game is really where I want it to be.”