Thomas Aiken capped a superb course record 61 with an eagle at the last for a one-stroke lead in Alfred Dunhill Championship on Saturday.
The South African, chasing a maiden European Tour win, produced a flawless third round at Leopard Creek to finish at 18-under-par 198, one shot ahead of American Len Mattiace.
”It was a fantastic day,” an elated Aiken told reporters.
”I played superb golf in the second round for a 65 and came out just trying to follow that up and keep among the leaders.
”It’s a funny game, this. You just plod along and all of a sudden things start to happen and the next thing you know you’re 11 under par for your round.”
Mattiace, in contention since round one, also eagled the treacherous 18th to close with a 66.
The former PGA Tour cardholder is three stokes clear of Britons David Lynn and Robert Rock, Richard Sterne of South Africa and joint second round leader Oskar Henningsson of Sweden, all at 14-under-par.
Englishman Rock surged early with an eagle at the second, but lost the advantage with a double bogey at the par-three seventh. The Belfry-based golfer managed to get back in the fight with a run of three birdies from 14 to 16 on the back nine for a 69.
Lost card
For a second consecutive day, Sterne came undone at the par-five closing hole. After signing for an eight on Friday, the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit leader posted a seven on Saturday.
Henningsson, who rallied with seven birdies, came unstuck with double bogeys at the ninth and 18th.
But for Aiken, the finishing hole was simply charming.
”I was just off the green on the left and hit a good chip and it went in the hole. I was a little lucky there,” he said, describing the shot that saw him break the previous course record of 63 set by Trevor Immelman in 2003.
”I’ve shot 60 in a practice round before and had 61 in a tournament in Swaziland a few years back. But on a golf course as challenging and demanding as this, this is definitely the best round of my career.”
Aiken, who lost his European Tour card last season, is no stranger to the winner’s circle. With seven Sunshine Tour wins since he turned pro in 2004, he relishes the opportunity to challenge for the title on Sunday.
”I badly want that card back. I’ve got a limited amount of starts next year so I definitely want to get it back, and this will be a nice way to do it, with a win.” – Reuters