Grace’s lead slashed at Leopard Creek

South African Branden Grace saw his five-shot lead cut down to just one after the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
After superb rounds of 62 and 66 over the first two days, Grace tread water somewhat on day three, posting a level-par 72 that kept him at 16 under par.
In contrast, a couple of his closest rivals continued making gains to significantly close the gap at the top ahead of the final round.
Little-known Dane Lucas Bjerregaard is closest, having carded a six-under-par 66 to lie just one shot off the pace.
But Englishman Danny Willett, fresh off his victory at last week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge, is just two strokes back after a 67, while Italy’s Francesco Molinari shot a 70 to lie on 13 under, three back.
Andrew Johnston follows a further shot back after a 68, with Louis Oosthuizen alone in sixth two shots behind.
Leader Grace made four birdies in his round on Saturday, but also picked up bogeys at regular intervals in what was an inconsistent round.
“A couple of the easy holes I managed to make mistakes on,” he said.
“But I’m in the position I want to be in and looking forward to tomorrow.
“If you look at the positives, I’m still in good form and I made a couple of nice putts on the front nine. I’m one up and I’m raring to go tomorrow.
“I’ve only had good experiences going into a final round and leading. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and taking in those positive vibes.”
Willett recorded seven birdies and almost had a hole in one on the seventh. His only blemish came at the par-four ninth, which he double-bogeyed.
“It was one bad swing and I came back and played solidly on the back nine,” he said.
Latest
-
News
After years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
News
What to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.
-
News
Organisers delay ticketing process for 2021 Masters as another fan shutout looms
Augusta National Golf Club is considering its options before making a call on 2021 Masters.
-
News
Tiger Woods’ former swing coach: I think I over-coached him
Sean Foley reckons he didn’t give Tiger the help he really needed.
-
News
Greg Norman returns home from hospital to await coronavirus test results
The 65-year-old spent Christmas Day in hospital after experiencing symptoms.
-
News
Greg Norman in hospital with coronavirus
The 65-year-old shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Christmas Day.
-
News
Lee Westwood sees age as no barrier to his golfing aspirations
Westwood, at the age of 47, has been crowned European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for 2020.
-
News
Tiger Woods and son Charlie finish seventh in PNC Championship
Tiger said it was “incredibly special” to spend quality time with his son on the golf course.
-
News
Tiger Woods and son Charlie create media storm in Florida
Woods Jnr’s swing looks an awful lot like his famous father’s.
-
News
Matt Fitzpatrick wins season finale as Lee Westwood claims Race to Dubai crown
Fitzpatrick secured the first prize of £2.2million thanks to a closing 68 which left him 15 under par and a shot clear of Westwood.