DP World Tour: Robin Williams shines, takes lead at Alfred Dunhill Championship

The rising star from Peterborough, now competing on the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour, showcased his prowess with eight birdies and a lone bogey, securing a one-shot lead over compatriot Jayden Schaper and Spain's Manuel Elvira, both sitting at six under par.

Williams, who honed his craft in the English Golf system and represented Team Europe at the Junior Ryder Cup in 2018, expressed his joy after the remarkable round. "It was pretty fun out there, I played pretty well. I took advantage of the par fives and the short holes, and I putted well today," he shared. 

The young golfer emphasized the significance of the experience, stating, "It is all a learning curve for me, trying to see what my game needs in order to make cuts and compete with these guys."

Starting on the back nine, Williams gained momentum with birdies at the 11th, 13th, 15th, and 16th holes, reaching the turn at four under. Back-to-back gains from the first further solidified his position. Despite a hiccup with a bogey on the par-four third, Williams quickly recovered with a birdie at the sixth, joining co-leaders Schaper and compatriot Casey Jarvis at six under.

Williams secured the outright lead with a clutch eight-foot birdie on the next hole, and a par save on the last ensured his one-shot advantage. Reflecting on the achievement, he remarked, "It is a massive confidence boost. I can always say that I shot 65 around Leopard Creek; I will always have that for the rest of my life. I can sleep happy tonight."

Both Schaper and Elvira, with their impressive rounds of 66 featuring seven birdies and one bogey each, closely trailed Williams. The South African dominance continued, with four more local talents trailing just one shot behind, making it a remarkable six South Africans in the top nine.

Dean Burmester, eyeing a historic third consecutive win, sits four strokes off the lead after carding a 69. The competition remains fierce, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Alfred Dunhill Championship, where Robin Williams has not only captured the spotlight but has also led a strong South African charge in pursuit of glory.

 

Read More: Dean Burmester looking to make history with DP World Tour three-peat (planetsport.com)