JJ Senekal will take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the SDC Open after posting a three under par round of 69 on day three at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa.
The South African carded four birdies and a single bogey to reach 18 under par, two ahead of countryman Casey Jarvis who impressed with a six under 66 to move into second place on 16 under par.
The 35-year-old, who has led after each of the opening three rounds, was pleased with his approach play as he retained his advantage at the top of the leaderboard.
“From tee to green I was really good today,” he said. “I think I hit ten fairways and only missed two greens, but it certainly wasn’t the best round of golf I’ve ever played. 32 putts are very frustrating and I didn’t read my putts very well today.
“I was expecting people to make a move today and that’s what they did. I saw Casey Jarvis had a good round of golf but luckily I managed to keep myself in front and I’ve got a good chance of winning the tournament tomorrow.”
Senekal is feeling confident ahead of the final day where he will aim to secure a maiden European Challenge Tour title in wire-to-wire fashion.
“There will be a lot of pressure and nerves tomorrow but I can’t let it get to me,” he said. “I’ve got to stay in the moment and not get ahead of myself because there’s a long way to go and every shot matters. I’m very excited to be in the final group again and hopefully the weather is good.”
South African duo Martin Vorster and Jaco Prinsloo share third place on 15 under par, while Spaniard Manuel Elvira and South African Pieter Moolman are a shot further back in fifth.
Englishman Marco Penge posted a six under par round of 66 to move into seventh place alongside Spain’s Victor Pastor, Italian Lorenzo Scalise, Frenchman Clément Berardo and Sweden’s Adam Blommé.
