Justin Walters joins Van Zyl at the top of the leader board on 11 under par, courtesy of a second round 65.

Van Zyl, who teed off in the morning on the 10th hole, battled to get his round going and had to settle for a quiet level par first nine.

However, his luck changed on the front nine with birdies on the third, fourth and fifth holes, and on the par five first and seventh holes.

He drove the short, par four ninth with a three-wood for a two putt birdie, to set the yardstick for the rest of the field.

“I got it to four under par through the first five holes on my back nine and just built from there,” said the 32-year-old Van Zyl.

“The front nine here is definitely the scoring nine. Both par fives are very reachable [in two], and a couple of short par fours and a little bit more generous flags.” 

Van Zyl said he had felt more comfortable in the second round, having travelled from Europe to get back in time for the event and spending time in hospital with his children, who had grommets inserted in their ears. 

“I’m settling in nicely now, I got a good night of rest last night, which always helps and now I’m just looking forward to tomorrow,” he said.

“I started hitting the ball much better on my back nine. My rhythm and timing is coming back. I’ve just spent a little more time on my feet and less on the couch, which definitely does help.”   

The two-time defending champion at Centurion looks to be the man  to beat and will fancy his chances in the third and final round on Friday.

“This is just one of those golf courses where it gives you options. You always have options. What you want to do and how you want to do it. It’s not the normal course where you pull out a driver on every tee shot and just bang it as far as you can.” 

The round of the day belonged to Walters, whose seven-under included seven birdies and an eagle two at the ninth — where he smashed a three iron 285 metres to within 10 feet — his final hole  of the day.

“To finish with an eagle was great, especially after I had three  putted [for bogey] on the hole before,” said Walters.

He said he would relish the prospect of playing, and being paired with, an in-form Van Zyl.

“Jaco went on an absolute tear last year and I’m not surprised at all of how well he’s done on the European tour this year,” said Walters.

“It would be nice if he stayed off our tour, but it will be fun and maybe I can learn a few things.”