Staff WriterGeorge Coetzee, sitting pretty at 15 under par with a two-shot cushion, is marching into Sunday at the DNi Tour Championship like a man who’s been here before—because he has.
Sure, the third round was more rollercoaster than cruise control, but Coetzee, cool as a pint on a hot Pretoria afternoon, turned a scrappy start into a lesson in grit and guile.
The man’s been around long enough to know: it’s not how you start, it’s how you swagger down the stretch.
On Saturday, Coetzee’s round started unevenly. The first six holes saw him record two bogeys, a double bogey, and three birdies—a mix that could unsettle even the steadiest hand.
Yet, the back nine told a different story. Two solid pars set the stage, and then a bridie on the 12th hole followed by a sensational eagle on the 13th helped him claw his way to a commendable three-under-par 69.
Throughout the round, his short game proved to be the anchor that kept his scorecard in check.
“My short game had to be good today. I felt a little bit all over the show. There were stretches where I felt like I was where I want to be and I could play golf like this forever, but that doesn’t last for long. Overall I am pretty happy, my short game saved me a bit today,” he said.
Relying on his vast experience, Coetzee continually had to remind himself of his strengths during the round.
Even in moments of self-doubt, he managed to summon flashes of brilliance that kept his championship challenge alive.
“More often than not today you get that feeling where you know you’re going to make it, and you almost have to force that feeling,” he said.
Fresh from clinching his 15th career Sunshine Tour title at last week’s Serengeti Playoffs and making a triumphant return after a lengthy injury layoff, Coetzee is focused solely on his own game as he prepares for the final round on Sunday.
“I just want to do the same stuff. I am excited to just be playing golf. It’s where I want to be,” he said.
Not to be overshadowed, Jacques Kruyswijk emerged as a formidable contender with a stunning seven-under-par 65, positioning him on track for a final round on 13 under par.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Broomhead stands well placed on 12 under par, and Michael Hollick has also surged into contention on 11 under par.
As the championship reaches its climax, all eyes will be on George Coetzee—whose blend of grit and talent continues to inspire and captivate—as he looks to cement his status as the man to beat.
