KNYSNA NEWS - The third round of the Vodacom Origins of Golf final at Pezula Championship Course has presented us with yet another end-of-round leader.
Jacques P de Villiers went five under par yesterday, 4 November, to rise to a one-shot lead going into the final day.
De Villiers' third round of 67 was his lowest round of the week, helping him climb to 11 under par for the tournament, taking full advantage of his recent form to make a charge on moving day.
His nearest threat is Neil Schietekat, who remains in second place after he strode into the clubhouse at 10 under for the week courtest of a third-round 70.
Further afield there is a five-way tie for third place, which includes 36-hole-leader Rhys West who could only muster a level-par round of 72 on Saturday. He is joined by Sean Bradley, Albert Venter, Jaco van Zyl and Stuart Krog on nine under par.
West's one-shot lead at the start of the third round was quickly relinquished due to a poor front nine. He bounced back on the back nine, the ocean-side of the course at Pezula, to ensure he is still within reach of the leader. The top Sunshine Ladies Tour golfer also changed in the third round, with Tara Griebenow battling the winds at Pezula on her way to a third round of 75 as she stands on two-over for the week.
De Villiers arrived at Pezula hot off the back of some fine form that's seen him earn three top-10s in his last four tournaments. He finished fourth in both the Fortress Invitational and Blue Label Challenge, and then finished in eighth-place finish in the SunBet Challenge Sun Sibaya. "I hit some nice iron shots and it was mainly just taking advantage of my opportunities today," De Villiers said.
His short game in particular was sublime on Saturday. “With the windy conditions I really just try and keep the short game sharp. You’re going to get some iron shots wrong so the short game saves you there.” And clearly the gusting wind was also not a concern for the Bloemfontein golfer. “You know, you’d actually be surprised but it can get quite blustery in the Free State, especially around August and September.”
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