Competing in his maiden EPD Tour championship (European Professional Development Tour) at the Pfaffing CLASSIC, Keanu fell short of repeating the "birdie-fest" from two days prior.
The youngster, who plays from October to April in the Philippines and from April to September in Europe, produced an 8-under par 65 at the Pfaffing JAH on August 14, and the week before a 7-under par 66 at the Landshut Open.
But the 15-year old kept his composure in his first European Professional Tour event, negotiating rain-soaked and muddy fairways towards a respectable even-par 72 on day 1, and a 2-over par 74 on day 2 (combined +2/146). The cut was established at 1-under par.
On day 1, 5 birdies on 3, 5, 12, 13 and 15 and bogeys on 6, 10 and 11, had the Reichswald gunner 2-under par when leaving the green of 15. But the par-5 hole 16, which Keanu negotiated well during the Pfaffing JAH, took a total of 3 strokes above par from Keanu. On day 1, the youngster drew his 2nd shot sharply to the left and out-of-bounds, resulting in a painful double-bogey. Also at 16, a sharply breaking putt from 5 feet missed the cup on day 2 and resulted in another bogey.
But overall, Keanu took his first-time European Tour experience in strides, saying: "I really enjoyed my first EPD tournament and competing among professional players from all over Europe and even the U.S. and South Africa. Thanks to the EPD management for letting me compete. But I also realize more and more, that it is very important to be completely relaxed during higher profile events. I know I have the ability to score 7 or 8 under par during a round, if I am as calm as during a 1-day tournament like the Pfaffing JAH or Landshut Open."
Picture shows Keanu's flight-mates, professionals Jan Ryba from the Czech Republic (left) and Imre Vasvary from Austria (right).
Other Reichswald Nürnberg representatives also gained valuable experience at the EPD Tour Pfaffing CLASSIC. Matthias Würzinger tallied his scores at 8-over par on both days for a total of +16/160, while Timothy Rauth scored 74 and 76 for +6/150.
To follow day 3 LIVE-SCORING of the EPD Tour Pfaffing CLASSIC, click:
