Goosen out in front in Sun City

Retief Goosen is enjoying being at home and out in front at the halfway stage of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City.

Goosen, who won a car for an eagle on the 17th yesterday, added a 68 to his opening 69 at Sun City for a seven-under-par halfway total of 137.

The double US Open champion carded six birdies and two bogeys to edge ahead of defending champion Henrik Stenson, Masters champion Angel Cabrera and overnight leader Robert Allenby.

“It’s not a bad place to be and to win the tournament would be a great way to finish the year,” Goosen said after the round.

“It’s tough out there, it was very, very hot today, especially on the back nine. But a few guys played really well today and anyone under par is definitely in with a shout.

“The wind is actually the main problem. It’s very tricky, blowing through the valleys and it’s not easy to judge.”

Cabrera had threatened to pull clear of the field after compiling a superb front nine in glorious conditions.

The Argentinian picked up birdies at the second, sixth, eighth and ninth to reach the turn in 32.

Further birdies followed at the 10th and 12th but his only bogey of the day on the 16th dropped Cabrera back into a tie for second after a 67.

Stenson, who won with a total of 21 under par last year, picked up four shots in his first six holes but was unable to maintain the momentum.

The world number seven bogeyed the 11th and birdied the 13th on his way to a round of 68.