JC Ritchie on a roll, surges ahead in Durban

South African golfer JC Ritchie remained nearly untouchable as he extended his lead at the Jonsson Workwear Open following Friday's second round at Durban Country Club.

Ritchie carded a bogey-free nine-under par round for the second consecutive day and led by six shots into the weekend.

The 27-year-old entered the second round with a two-shot lead after Thursday's course record 61 at Mount Edgecombe Golf Club and extended his advantage after a round of 63 at Durban Country Club to get to 18-under. 

"The golf is feeling amazing. My swing is in a really good place. My mental game is in a really nice place. I feel like everything is as close to perfect as it can be," said Ritchie.

"There's always room for improvement, but I think what I've got right now and where I am I'm really happy.

"There has been some really tough times over the last 20 or so years since I decided to play the game, so if this is form then I gladly welcome it."

Ritchie will be chasing back-to-back titles after his triumph in last week's Cape Town Open and has proven his ability to win in consecutive weeks on more than one occasion back in 2019 and 2020.

The South African golfer, who made his Major debut at last year's Open Championship, admits to struggling to explain his mental ability these last few weeks.

"It's a tricky one. I struggle to explain exactly how I get there and where I go to in my head. Even my caddie has asked me, and I told him I just don't know how to explain it," said Ritchie.

"It's just a quiet place in my head that I manage to go to when I'm under pressure. It's a place that's calm and peaceful in my head, and where I feel like I can make the best possible decisions. I try and keep that space as clear as I can - no negative thoughts or bad