KEMPTON PARK, City of Ekurhuleni – In the spirit of Africa’s great Serengeti, there was definitely a sense of survival of the fittest in Saturday’s tough third round of the Tour Championship at Serengeti Estates. And it’s a battle Tristen Strydom is busy winning at the moment.
Strydom ended a day of strong wind and some tricky pin placements on the challenging Serengeti Estate’s greens with a two-stroke lead on 15 under par. It came thanks to a round of 68 which he said was one of the best rounds of his career in these conditions.
“That was some of the toughest golf I’ve played in a very long time. The wind was up, the greens are fast, and there is just no shying away from it,” he said.
Behind him, his nearest challenger Pieter Moolman did just as well to stay in touch on 13 under with a 69.
“It was a challenge out there. Your ball striking has to be really good on this golf course when the wind blows because it can become very long, especially on the back nine,” he said.
George Coetzee came through 54 holes in third place on nine under par and as one of only 12 players in this 36-man field who are currently under par.
Both Strydom and Moolman are chasing maiden victories on the Sunshine Tour. Strydom has been in this position on a few occasions in what has been his most successful season to date, and he’s determined to apply those lessons on Sunday.
“I’m very excited for the final round. I’m going to have fun and give it my all. I love this game and it’s so nice to be able to compete with the some of the best on the Sunshine Tour,” he said.
Moolman has also impressed with his consistency and is relishing having a shot at this title.
“Anything can still happen and if the wind blows like it has it will get interesting. I’ve got 18 holes on Sunday and that’s 18 opportunities. I have a shot at a win. Tristen is playing well and he’s hitting the ball so solid, but I can only try my best,” he said. – Michael Vlismas.
