Docherty drives into BDGA Classic lead

Dylan Docherty took the lead on the opening day of the BDGA Academy Classic, held at  Eagle Canyon Golf Estate, Honeydew, with a three-under-par 69 on 31 August.

Docherty, who campaigned on the Sunshine Tour in 2009 and 2010 before injuries derailed his run, is hoping to have a second crack in the paid ranks next year. The 30-year-old was full of smiles after edging into the lead with five birdies and a pair of bogeys. “You don’t get a lot of second chances in life, but I was fortunate to get the opportunity to go back and I am working all out to get fighting fit and match ready for Q-School in December.”

Docherty has been working with Doug Wood at the Wanna Be A Champion Academy since February on swing changes to build a more complete golf swing. Docherty added, “The last eight months have been an incredible test of patience and perseverance. There was a lot of technical stuff to drill into the swing, but it really feels good to see positive results now that we are putting the swing into practice.”

Docherty birdied two and three and was two under through 12 holes before he dropped his first shot. Docherty said of his opening performance, “I am striking the ball well and the swing is feeling solid. It’s a nice two-shot cushion to take into the second round, but the real test will be tomorrow.”