JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Mark Murless had an eagle on his final hole Friday and owns a 1-stroke lead halfway through the Joburg Open golf tournament in South Africa.
Murless had a 3-under 68 during second-round play and is 9-under 133 after 36 holes, just ahead of Pablo Larrazabal, who also shot 68 on Friday. Warren Abery, Charl Coetzee and Tyrone Ferreira, playing in his first professional tournament, were tied for third at 7-under 135.
Rain delayed play for about an hour Friday, the final day the players were split between the East and West courses at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. The final two rounds are set for the East Course.
Murless was one shot off the clubhouse lead after 16 holes before closing with consecutive 3s. After making birdie from the rough at the short 17th, Murless hit a soft 3-wood into the green at the par-five 18th and was left with a 5-foot putt for eagle.
