South African golfer Casey Jarvis hits his shot towards the 18th green during the third round of the 115th SA Open at Stellenbosch on Saturday afternoon.
Image: Carl Fourie | Sunshine Tour
There is everything to play for in Sunday’s final round of the 115th South African Open at Stellenbosch, with looming rain set to add another layer of toughness to an already bruising test.
After three days of relentless wind at Stellenbosch Golf Club, the elements have taken its toll and most of the field and the contenders for the crown may still face even sterner conditions in their bid for the title.
Late after play on Saturday, the rain started sweeping down over the course and it could bring some fresh challenges on final day.
On another blustery afternoon, the course showed its teeth once more, unsettling a host of seasoned campaigners. However, local hero Casey Jarvis rose to the challenge as he embraced the challenge of moving day.
The 22-year-old, who won the Kenyan Open last weekend for his maiden DP World Tour title, surged into the outright lead with a composed, bogey-free 64. It was a round built on intelligent club selection, assured shot-making and holding his nerve under pressure.
Two other South Africans, Xander Basson (66) and Kieron van Wyk (64), had excellent third rounds. They are tied fifth on -7 and will fancy their chances on the final day.
Overnight leader Francesco Laporta (-10) slipped back one place after an even-par round, and England’s Joe Dean and Nathan Kimsey also lost ground. Dean Burmester, who started in third place, dropped down the leaderboard and is tied with Southern Guards teammate Branden Grace and countrymen Daniel van Tonder and Haydn Porteous in eight on -6.
All, though, remain within striking distance heading into what promises to be a tense finale.
Jarvis looks very ready for the challenge on Sunday. He started the day in 10th place but steadily climbed the leaderboard with efficient, disciplined golf. His club and shot selection were immaculate in the demanding conditions, and with rain forecast for the final round, that control could be key.
A crucial par-saving putt on the 18th ensured he would carry the sole lead into Sunday — a moment he later admitted was made even sweeter by the vocal home support.
“I have some nice momentum heading into the final round,” the SA Open leader said.
“That putt (to save par) was a pretty straightforward right to left up the hill, but I didn’t hit my best chip shot to get me into that position. It wasn’t an easy day out there, but the home support is fantastic, and I am looking forward to the last round.
“I started fairly slow and was one under after seven holes. Things changed when I chipped in on eight (for birdie) and I said to myself ‘comes, let’s go and catch the guys at the top’. I did that pretty well.”
Laporta is tied for second alongside South Africa’s Hennie du Plessis at 10-under-par. Du Plessis had briefly threatened to join Jarvis at the summit, but a bogey on the 18th saw him slip back.
His closing hole was a battle in itself.
After a difficult lie following his drive, and an even more difficult one near the green after his approach, he duffed the third chip into the greenside bunker and then failed to find the putting surface with his fourth out of the sand trap.
Yet Du Plessis salvaged momentum in impressive fashion, holing a lengthy bogey putt from off the green.
“That fighting bogey is as important as a fighting par or birdie,” said du Plessis.
“It’s a very important moment for me, momentum-wise, going into Sunday. It was a very good three-under-par in tough conditions. It was hard to stay in it — things can get away from you quickly when it’s this windy. The crowds were brilliant and they kept me going.”