Lawrie leads the way

Last updated: 30th November 2012

Scotland's Paul Lawrie will take a slender one-shot lead into the weekend of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City.

On another difficult day for scoring at the Gary Player Country Club, Lawrie carded a three-under-par 69 for a total of 140, which leaves him with a narrow lead over Martin Kaymer, who matched his score for the day.

Lawrie picked up four birdies in windy conditions, with his only dropped shot coming on the par-four 15th.

"I played nicely again. I struggled with the driver so I hit quite a few three-woods, which was a strong club for me today," the Ryder Cup winner said.

"I gave myself chances and I putted a lot better today.

"This course is demanding off the tee and you've got to be in play if you hope to go for the pins. It's important to drive well, as it's pretty tough out there.

"The wind is swirling, chopping and changing, and it's difficult to get your distance right."

Kaymer carded five birdies, but also dropped back-to-back shots on Nos 8 and 9.

"There are eight golfers within five shots, so that's quite nice," the German said.

"If you play good and a few putts drop, then you can shoot five or six-under, so nobody can relax."

South African duo Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen as well as Italian Francesco Molinari and Bill Haas of America are tied for third at one-under-par.

Two-time defending champion Lee Westwood is level par while Peter Hanson is a further shot back with Carl Pettersson three over, Nicolas Colsaerts and Garth Mulroy four over and Justin Rose a further four shots back.