Trevor Immelman carded a course-record nine-under-par 63 on his way to a three-stroke lead ahead of the final round of the South African Airways (SAA) Open at Humewood Golf Club on Saturday.
Immelman’s spectacular bogey-free round included nine birdies and placed him at 20-under-par, three shots ahead of countryman Ernie Els.
Els carded an equally impressive six-under par 66 to leave him at 17-under-par, with Swede Patrik Sjoland at 15 under following a 69.
Immelman, who turned 27 on Saturday, was more than satisfied with his day’s work. ”It was a great day for me. Any time you can shoot a good round in Ernie’s presence is a great feeling,” Immelman said.
Immelman also set a 54-hole championship record of 196, surpassing Vijay Singh’s 201 total set at Glendower in 1997. The two-time SAA Open champion needs a two-under-par 70 on Sunday to set the new 72-hole record, moving past the 267 total set by Tony Johnstone at Durban Country Club in 1993.
Immelman was clearly a lot happier with his game on Saturday after battling with his driver in round two.
”I spoke to my coach, David Leadbetter, in the evening and I think that helped me out with a few things. I managed to keep my drives in play and I hit my irons on the right sides of the hole. David Frost also gave me a putting tip and I started to hole the putts I was missing. All in all I think my course management was very good.”
Els was also satisfied with a round that included five birdies and an eagle. ”I hit the ball beautifully, so I can’t complain. I’ve got to play the same in the final round and then I’ll definitely have a chance.”
Els was full of praise for Immelman and said the young star took advantage of his errors. ”Trevor played an unbelievable round. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play this well. He pounced on my mistakes and I think his birdies at 11 and 18 when I made bogey and par was the difference today.”
The three-time Major winner also said that he was not feeling the pressure of not winning this year and that he would be able to move on if he failed to close the deal on Sunday. ”It isn’t make or break for me. I would love to win the SAA Open for a fourth time, but my goals are a lot bigger. I’ve got a three-year plan to become the number-one golfer in the world again.”
Retief Goosen begins the final round at 13 under par alongside Englishman Andrew Raitt. — Sapa