Three Potential Sunday Storylines

Rarely heading into the final round of a European Tour event do we have three different potential story lines, with such clearly defined boundaries, but on the eve of the final day of the BMW SA Open at Glendower Golf Club, that is exactly what we have with Graeme Storm, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Smith all in contention…

The Favourite justifying his tag:

Coming into this week all eyes were on Rory McIlroy as thousands of golf fans from across South Africa descended on the City of Ekurhuleni to catch a glimpse of the World Number Two – otherwise known as the ‘Rory Effect’. And as ever, the four-time Major Champion has lived up to the hype with his usual array of shot-making and entertainment.

After three dramatic rounds featuring hole out eagles, nine hole one putt runs and back injuries, Rory finds himself three shots back going into the final day as the Northern Irishman goes in search of his first European Tour title in South Africa. Whenever Rory wins it is headline news, and if he makes it 14 European Tour wins on Sunday that will be no different.

The Experienced Pro’s Fightback:

When Graeme Storm came very close to losing his card last season after a run of 12 consecutive full seasons on the European Tour, few people could have imagined he would be taking a three-shot lead into the final round of the first event of 2017 on the European Tour, and getting ready to play with McIlroy for the final 18 holes.

However that is the position the Englishman finds himself in, largely thanks to a run of 41 holes without a bogey. The 38 year old admitted after his third round 67 that he felt nervous, and doubted whether he would have as many fans cheering him on as McIlroy. However, if the final day galleries at Glendower GC do some reading up on Storm’s story, they will surely give him plenty of support as he goes in search of a second win in his 418th European Tour tournament.

The Rookie Fairytale:

Winning the Road to Oman and graduating to the European Tour from the Challenge Tour with ease is impressive; but instantly converting that form on to the highest level is arguably just as notable, which is exactly what Jordan Smith looks like doing in just his fifth European Tour event, and only his third since getting his full playing rights.

He might be at the opposite end of the spectrum to Storm when it comes to experience, but if it wasn’t for a bogey-bogey finish, Smith would have been in the final group alongside his compatriot. However rounds of 67, 68 and 68 still have the Englishman within four shots of the lead and playing in the penultimate group. Being in the spotlight less as a result of that might help the 24 year old make a final day challenge.

More massive irons from 312 yards into greens on Sunday, and converting more eagle putts like this will help Jordan do just that.