GAUTENG, Johannesburg – Caitlyn Macnab, the past season’s R&A Rookie of the Year on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, heads the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions supported by Attacq and WCMC by one shot over a quality field going into Sunday’s final round at Royal Johannesburg.
Macnab heads the field on five under par following her third round of 70 and is one shot clear of the Sunshine Tour’s 2025/26 Fortress Rookie of the year, Luis Carrera (65), and recent winner Justin Walters (70).
Macnab started Saturday’s third round on Royal Johannesburg’s East Course with four birdies over the first six holes and led by three shots at the turn. However, a double-bogey on the 10th hole and bogeys on the 13th and 17th holes wiped away her lead. But her birdie on the 18th took her clear again.
“I got off to a good start which was ideal as I was hitting the ball well. Then I went into a bit of wobble in the middle of my round but managed to turn it around by finishing with a birdie. All in all, I am happy with the day. Going into the final day with a lead is always a positive, I am grateful to be in the position, and I am hungry to keep fighting tomorrow” Macnab said.
Carrera made his charge with a strong front nine featuring two eagles on his way to the lowest round of the day.
And Walters played his way into contention for a possible second title after winning the SunBet Challenge-Sun Boardwalk tournament two weeks ago.
“This tournament is quite unique – playing nine holes twice is different,” said Walters.
“It’s quite tricky, especially with the mixed nature of the event and the use of different tees. It is however nice to have the change. I am enjoying it. I played really well when I won the SunBet Challenge at Humewood, but this week I wouldn’t say that I have been playing great. It’s been solid but I haven’t been able to piece it all together on a day as yet. It’s been a bit of a mental struggle the whole week. You have to stay patient out there and I have been able to do that reasonably well.”
“The final round will be key to take advantage of the par-fives, but overall the backbone of the course is holes one-through-five, or 10-through-14. If you can play those holes solid and take a run at the par-fives you can compete. That will be my goal and then knock in a few birdies.”
Deon Germishuys (68), Altin van der Merwe (68), Herman Loubser (69) and Gabrielle Venter (71) are tied for fourth place on three under par, only two shots behind Macnab. – Michael Vlismas Media
