Schwartzel battles misfiring swing

Charl Schwartzel. Photo by Charles LeClaire

Charl Schwartzel. Photo by Charles LeClaire

Published Oct 30, 2016

Share

Johannesburg – Charl Schwartzel battled a misfiring swing to finish tied 30th as the leading South African in the WGC-HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club on Sunday.

The 2011 Masters Champion ended in a share of 30th alongside countryman Branden Grace on two-under for the week. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama romped to a seven-stroke victory on 23-under. Dean Burmester, who was making his debut in the event, struggled on the weekend after opening rounds of 68 and 70. Burmester eventually had to settle for a share of 35th place.

“You know, I thought the only real positive this week for me was that I stayed very patient. I didn’t particularly play very well,” said Schwartzel.

“The golf swing’s not doing very well and I had a really bad back this week, so maybe that’s a factor. At least my putting feels good, because that’s normally where you score, so if I can find the long game, then I could do well in the next few events.”

The only positive for Schwartzel was a strong showing with the flat-stick.

“I putted nicely. So you know, those are two key things that can really spark you going forward. I just need to find my long game.”

The Major champion won’t be making the trip across Europe for the Turkish Open next week, and instead will return to South Africa to work on his swing.

“I will just work on my own swing with my dad, I can see it on the camera already but it’s just very difficult to fix while you’re playing in a tournament.”

The 32-year-old will next tee it up in the Nedbank Challenge which has been revamped to form part of the final Race to Dubai, and will feature a full field of 72 players.

“I think it’s a good move for Sun City and the Nedbank to get a proper tournament. I hope it’s a success. For us South Africans it’s always great to play in the Nedbank.” – African News Agency (ANA)

Related Topics: