Staff WriterThe Serengeti Playoffs cranked up the drama on Saturday, as the third round of The Courier Guy Playoffs Series at Serengeti Estates turned into a nerve-jangling test of guts and grit.
With careers, reputations, and a whole lot of pride on the line, you could almost feel the tension hanging in the air — thick enough to cut with a sand wedge.
Leading the charge is seasoned Sunshine Tour campaigner George Coetzee, who fired a third-round 69 to reach 16 under par—three strokes clear of the field heading into Sunday’s decisive round.
Seeking to confirm that all his post-injury toil is bearing fruit, Coetzee burst out of the blocks with four birdies in his opening five holes.
Although he stumbled with a double bogey on 18, he remains resolute about his chance to claim victory.
Nipping at his heels is Daniel van Tonder, who produced a red-hot 64 to climb to 13-under-par.
Further down the leaderboard, Jonathan Broomhead and Stals Swart share third place at 12 under.
Broomhead, capturing the general tension in the field, confessed, “There’s a lot on the line at the moment. I was struggling to handle my nerves today”.
Despite the tournament’s mounting intensity, Coetzee took encouragement from his technique off the tee.
“I’ve been working on all parts of my game really hard, so it’s nice that something has clicked in my long game, which gets the ball into play with a chance to do something.”
Beyond his own quest to sharpen his competitive edge, Coetzee also relishes mentoring the up-and-comers.
“I feel like you learn a lot and if you take it to the grave what is the point? There is a lot to share. I tell the guys that my door is always open, just ask me and I will tell you what I know,” he said.
That generosity of spirit will be tested in Sunday’s finale, as Van Tonder and the ambitious youngsters—Broomhead and Swart—aim to make their moves.
When it all comes down to a single round of golf on a championship Sunday, expect an electrifying showdown fit for any highlight reel.
And that, of course, is exactly what The Courier Guy Playoffs Series demands.
