Staff WriterHerman Loubser’s Saturday round at the Mopani Zambia Open was a lesson in quiet confidence—a bogey-free 68 that left him five shots clear of his nearest rival and staring down the final round with the sort of cushion most players would sell their grandmother for.
At 14 under par for the tournament, the South African has been a model of precision at Nkana Golf Club, and if he can keep this up tomorrow, there might not be much left for the rest of the field to do but watch.
Two on the Front, Two on the Back
It wasn’t a flashy round, but it was the sort that makes you wonder how golf ever became known as a game of drama.
Two birdies on the front nine, two more on the back, and a whole lot of steady par putts in between.
“It’s been good and solid. I’ve played nicely and made a lot of par putts that kept the momentum going.
The greens are tricky, but I have been good with my short game and I’ve hit the ball quite nice,” Loubser said afterwards—about as calm as you like when you’re leading by five.
Otto and the Chasers
Hennie Otto, the wily veteran, sits five back after another day that was solid but not quite enough to keep pace.
Behind him, Ethan Smith—young and fearless—posted a six-under 66 to move into third, six shots back.
Smith’s charge was exactly what you’d expect from a kid who doesn’t know what he doesn’t know yet: all-out attack, no backward steps.
Steady as She Goes
Loubser knows tomorrow will bring nerves—he admitted as much. “I just need to do the same thing tomorrow, that is the game plan. Hopefully the putting and chipping stays good.
Obviously, there will be a few nerves, but it is quite exiting. There will be a lot of the guys out there tomorrow trying to win.
I am keen for the challenge,” he said. And why wouldn’t he be? With a five-shot lead, it’s his to lose—but golf is a funny game, and Sunday is always a different beast.
The Verdict? Clear Your Sunday
So, is it worth pulling up a chair for the final round? Absolutely. Loubser’s been the picture of composure so far, but Otto’s experience and Smith’s youthful charge mean we’re in for a final round that could yet turn into a thriller.
If Loubser holds his nerve and keeps those par putts dropping, he’ll have earned every inch of that trophy come Sunday night.
