GEORGE, Western Cape – Dean Burmester signed for a bogey-free 63 to earn himself a three-stroke lead going into Sunday’s final round of the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at Oubaai Golf Estate.
On another magnificent day on the Garden Route, Burmester teed off the third round chasing the lead of Jean Hugo and immediately made an impact with his four birdies in his first five holes.
Playing the kind of relaxed golf of a man who feels completely at home in this part of the world, Burmester also birdied the last to give himself a chance at a second Vodacom Origins of Golf title in his career after his other win on the series in 2015.
“It’s nice to be home. It’s nice to see the fans come out and support a local boy,” said Burmester.
Burmester’s level of comfort was nowhere more evident than in his short game on Saturday. His putting was outstanding, and his chipping on the back nine in particular helped him to maintain his scoring momentum.
“I’ve got a caddie who’s reading these green unbelievably well. I had 10 putts on the back nine. My iron play is still a little bit rusty, but the rest of my game is sharp. I haven’t driven the ball this well in a long time, so that’s putting me in a good position to score,” said Burmester.
“I had a good up-and-down for par on 15 with the putt just dropping in. I also had two good up-and-downs for par on 16 and 17 where I could’ve quite easily come back to the field. I work very hard on my chipping. I have to give Branden Grace credit because he’s helped me a lot with that and not opening the face of the club too much and keeping it a little bit square, especially on those uphill lies. It’s paying dividends this week for sure.”
Hugo, who is chasing a record 13th Vodacom Origins of Golf title, also made a strong start with three birdies in his opening four holes. But he dropped two shots on the back nine.
It was also a good day for Stephen Ferreira who scored a hole-on-one on the par-three third hole, hitting an eight iron and earning himself 50 000 Skybucks from Airlink.
“It’s nice to get my second hole-in-one. I need to get a move on because my uncle has had 18. Hopefully I can get a few more. But it’s great from Airlink to give us those Skybucks.”
The Sunshine Ladies Tour challenge is led by Gabrielle Venter and Danielle du Toit on nine under par and in joint 25th place. Venter posted a 70 on Saturday, while Du Toit signed for a 69. Cara Gorlei carded a 73 to finish the round on one under par. – Michael Vlismas
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16th November 2024
