Courtenay, British Columbia—Firing the low-round of the week at Crown Isle Resort, South African Albert Pistorius jumped ahead to a two-stroke lead on Wednesday at the final Mackenzie Tour Q-School of the 2019 season. 

“I think I have a solid game plan,” said the 38-year old. “This morning on the range it felt really terrible and it’s just amazing how quick that can change within five minutes. I hit some awesome shots and gave myself some solid chances to make some birdie putts.” 

A multi-sport athlete growing up, Pistorius reached as high as fourth on the South African National golf rankings as an amateur. Along with his spot on the national golf team, he was also the sixth-ranked South African U16 tennis player and played on a top-ranked U14 cricket team; it goes without saying that his honour as 1999 South African Sportsman of the Year was well earned.  

Despite his South African upbringing, Pistorius is feeling right at home this week, having spent the past five years living in Calgary, Alta. working as a golf professional.

“I met my caddie there, who actually caddied for me today,” said Pistorius, who met caddie Jason Cormack while working at Pinebrook Golf & Country Club. “I gave him a couple lessons and the more time we spent together, he asked me if I wanted to play pro again. A couple things changed for me personally last year and now I have the opportunity to go play again.” 

Though the harsh Calgary winter presented a challenge, Pistorius says he managed to maintain his game nonetheless and took just a few months to prepare for Q-School.

“I missed it every day,” he said. “I’d be working and had that nagging feeling that I wanted to compete, and this is what I want to do, so I’ve been at it for the last three months and I’m happy with my progress.” 

So far, so good. At 10-under for the week, Pistorius heads into the third round two-strokes ahead of closest-chasers Andrew McCain and Tyler Salsbury.