Aldrich Potgieter, 20, takes a three-shot lead before the final round at Sun City…

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Untouchable despite a still hyper-selective career, Aldrich Potgieter, 20 years old, turned professional in June 2023, signs a fantastic card of 66 (-6) without error. Leader at -7 (209), the South African (photo) is three steps ahead of his first pursuers, the Englishman Matthew Jordan and the Italian Francesco Laporta. In the hard part on the return leg of the Gary Player Country Club, Romain Langasque (73) and Julien Guerrier (75) are in 4th and 6th places at -3 (213) and -2 (214). The last round this Sunday promises to be thrilling!

L.V.

Par 72 of Gary Player Country Club has, once again, been merciless with almost the entire field of this Nedbank Golf Challenge 2024. Like the day before, the golfers were manhandled, some literally crushed, by this South African layout which was more intractable than ever, once again offering difficult flag positions and extremely firm greens for this Moving Day.

Find the complete ranking and tee times for the 4th round

With a wind still very active – perhaps not as tenacious as Friday – and a suffocating heat – 38 degrees – there were numerous “road trips” Sun City. Especially on this diabolical return where five of the eight most difficult holes were listed, the prize going to this par 4 of the 15th with an average of 4.27 where only ten birdies were signed there.

So when we consult the immaculate map of Aldrich Potgieteran extraordinary 66 (-6) and without bogey this Saturday, we say to ourselves that this young South African, only 20 years old, does not play in the same category. The Mossel Bay native (as Louis Oosthuizen) indeed flew over the debates like an old veteran, accumulating exploits like this eagle slammed at 14 (above) or even by admiring his almost innate ease with putter in hand (27 putts today), saving on several occasions the par when his case seemed hopeless.

There were quite a few big saves today, so I'm really happy with what I did. I will try to do the same tomorrow (Sunday). It would be a dream to be able to win here.

Aldrich Potgieter

« It was greathe whispered at the end of the recording. I really appreciated the support from the public. It was great to be supported by such a big crowd. It helped me play good golf. There were quite a few big saves today, so I'm really happy with what I did. I will try to do the same tomorrow (Sunday). It would be a dream to be able to win here. »

Victorious of British Amateur 2022 au Royal Lytham & St Annes facing the English left-hander Sam Bairstowturned pro in June 2023 before opening his account on the Korn Ferry Tour on January 24 at Bahamas Great Abaco ClassicAldrich Potgieter now has a three-stroke lead over his first pursuers, the Englishman Matthew Jordan and the Italian Francesco Molinarinot clumsy either with their respective 71 (-1) and 69 (-3).

These three will share the last departure scheduled for 11:01 a.m. (10:01 a.m. in France). It remains to be seen how this young South African golfer, just out of adolescence, is playing right on the PGA Tour 2025 already in his pocket (29th in the Korn Ferry Tour order of merit), built like a mover and who sends drives to 369 yards (337 meters), will manage his hunted position.

Fourth at -3 (213) and clearly frustrated by his last two rounds completed in 75 (+3) and 72 (par), Max Homathe defending champion, will obviously put pressure this Sunday on the young leader, recently 8th in the BMW Australian PGA Championship on November 24 in Brisbane. The American, the only one with Potgieter to have returned a bogey-free card (Thursday with a 66), will be in the penultimate group alongside the Englishman Jordan Smith (69 this Saturday) and Romain Langasque.

The last fatal holes of the return to Langasque and Guerrier…

The Riviera held ten holes in this 3rd round, notably thanks to a successful eagle at 10 before being abandoned by his putting. Twice in a position to consolidate his leading position at -5 with two birdie putts (1 m at 13, 1.70 m at 14), he missed his chance. Before being punished immediately afterwards with two bogeys at 15 and 16. His 73 (+1) nevertheless allows him to stay alive before the last eighteen holes of this 2024 edition.

We would be tempted to say the same for Julien Guerriercertainly a little more difficult than his compatriot with whom he shared this 3rd round. Like Langasque, the Rochelais lost the thread on the return, conceding three bogeys from 11 to 17… His 75 (+3) of the day puts him back six places but given the extreme complexity of the course this year – last year , victory was acquired at… -19! – we can easily announce that all the contenders classified five lengths behind Potgieter still have their chance. There are twelve of them in this case. So, place your bets!