Schwartzel on the verge of victory
Charl Schwartzel takes a 10-stroke lead into the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday.
After winning by 11 strokes in Thailand last week, Charl Schwartzel takes a 10-stroke lead into the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday.
While the course seems to belong to Schwartzel, the 12th hole – 192-yard par three at Leopard Creek – undeniably belongs to South African compatriot Keith Horne, who holed-in-one for the second consecutive day. By repeating Friday’s feat, the local won himself a new card.
Schwartzel shared the half-way lead with France’s Gregory Bourdy, but produced a second consecutive round of 64 to steam into the lead at 21-under par.
He made birdies on five of the opening eight holes, but then made his first bogey of the event at the ninth, before making for more consecutive birdies to take a nine-shot lead after 12 holes.
The former Masters champion then dropped a shot on the 16th after his tee-shot found the lake, but closed out with another birdie, which surely secures him his second title at the event he first won eight years previously.
Last week’s win in Thailand was the South African’s first since his win at Augusta last year, but he was loathe to divulge what his targets for the new year are.
I don’t even want to think about it,” he commented after his round.
“I don’t even think about anything.
“There’s been too much talk about what I want to do, but the more you force the issue the less you do it.
“I just want to keep playing with no expectations. Tee it up, hit the ball down the fairway, hit it on the green, make the putt and see where it leads me.
“In the back of your mind you know what you want to achieve. We all want to win golf tournaments, but I can’t be thinking about wanting to win because that’s not how I’m actually going to win.
“I have to just stay right where I am and plod along. If I play the best I’ll win – that’s the way I see it.”
By contrast Bourdy had a disastrous opening nine- going out in 41 – and carded a 74, but is still in second place at 11-under.
One shot further back is another South African – Branden Grace – as well as Swede Kristoffer Broberg and England’s Steve Webster.
Horne is one further back.
Latest
-
European TourRomain Langasque equals course record to lead Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Frenchman recovered from an early bogey with two eagles and eight birdies to reach 11 under par.
-
NewsRory McIlroy bemoans ‘ugly year’ and seeks solution to divide in golf world
The arrival of Saudi-backed LIV Golf series has fractured the game in 2022.
-
NewsOn this day in 2014 – Europe retain Ryder Cup with Gleneagles victory
The Gleneagles victory was Europe’s eighth win in 10 matches.
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,