Van Der Merwe finds a 63 to lead Sunbet Challenge

Photo: Sunshine Tour

Graham Van Der Merwe will take a narrow one stroke lead into Friday’s final round of the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Sun Sibaya at Mount Edgecombe, with a maiden Sunshine Tour title firmly within his sights.

Van Der Merwe produced a superb round at The Woods on Thursday, carding a 63 to move to 10 under par and claim the outright lead.

Nikhil Rama and Pieter Moolman are one shot behind, while local favourite Jonathan Broomhead and Courier Guy Order of Merit leaders Samuel Simpson and Austin Bautista are a further stroke adrift.

Despite the pressure of leading the tournament, Van Der Merwe remained composed and stuck to the strategy that had served him well in the second round.

“Today, I just wanted to keep things steady. I didn’t want to over commit to anything, and I didn’t want to make silly mistakes. It seemed to work out,” Van Der Merwe said.

“I was very patient waiting for the birdies and they came when they needed to come. I am happy with the round. I would’ve taken it if you gave it to me this morning.”

The 63 has put Van Der Merwe in pole position, but he knows the final round will demand a more assertive approach with a group of experienced contenders close behind.

“There are a lot of players around me, so I will have to be more aggressive in the final round. I know the boys are going to push hard, so I will just stick to my game and try and push where I need to push without trying to go for anything too silly,” he said.

Rama will provide one of the biggest threats to Van Der Merwe after once again putting himself in contention for a Sunshine Tour title.

The runner up at the recent Sunbet Challenge Wild Coast Sun recovered from an early bogey with eight birdies before dropping another shot on the final hole.

“I started with a bogey but made eight birdies after that and got myself back in it. Unfortunately, on the last hole I made a bogey again,” Rama said.

“I hit the ball really well and I am happy with where I am with my game. Everything is feeling pretty good at the moment. I am looking forward to the battle in the final round.”

Having come close at the Wild Coast Sun, Rama is determined to make another opportunity count.

“I got myself into contention again, and hopefully this week’s outcome can be a little different. Hopefully I can get over the line, but we’ll see,” he said.

With six players separated by just two shots at the top of the leaderboard, the final round is set up for a compelling finish, with Van Der Merwe aiming to convert his advantage into a breakthrough Sunshine Tour victory.

SCORES

63 - Graham van der Merwe

65 - Jonathan Broomhead

65 - Kyle De Beer, Samuel Simpson, George Coetzee, Warwick Purchase, Haydn Porteous, Austin Bautista, Keenan Davidse

66 - Jbe Kruger

66 - Pieter Moolman, James Mack, Jacques Blaauw, Astin Arthur

67 - Nikhil Rama

67 - Jean Hugo, Doug McGuigan, Altin van der Merwe, Wynand Dingle, JJ Senekal, Malcolm Mitchell, Herman Loubser, Benjamin Kedochim, Ryan van der Klis

68 - Malan Potgieter

68 - Franklin Manchest, Dayne Moore, Christiaan Burke, Jaden Deltel, Ryan Welsh, Adam Breen, Stals Swart, Stuart Krog, Karabo Mokoena, Callum Bruce

69 - Carter Rowe

69 - Ricky Hendler, Jason Roets, Matthew Spacey, Martin Rohwer, Jean-Paul Strydom, Keanu Pestana, Mitch Phigeland, Wandre Snyman, Hennie O'Kennedy, Benjamin Van Wyk, Jaco Van Zyl, Luke Brown, Jaco Ahlers

70 - Shaunak Rama