Staff WriterGeorge Coetzee is making quite the statement at the Serengeti Playoffs, charging to a three-shot lead after a sparkling round of 66 on Friday.
He wasted no time getting into gear, rolling in birdies on his opening two holes before catching fire midway through the round.
Five birdies in six holes later, Coetzee was practically airborne, soaring to 13 under par and leaving the chasing pack scrambling to keep up.
“Today was bit more challenging. I played really well and I am actually really happy with my game,” he said.
This round was exactly what George Coetzee needed to reignite his confidence as he makes his comeback from injury.
Reflecting on the journey back, he added, “My expectations have been a bit low the last six months, so it’s lekker to be playing some good golf again.
I am riding the wave that I’ve got this week. I’ve been working hard, putting in my hours, but not seeing it in the scores. I am enjoying everything coming together and shooting some decent scores.”
Now, at the halfway stage of the tournament—the first in the new Courier Guy Playoffs Series—Coetzee is laser-focused on his own process rather than getting ahead of himself.
“I’m just going to try and stick to my routine, be a bit more holistic and do the right things. I train the right ways so I can play the right way.
I play a lot of golf. I’m just going to try and play well this week and we will see what happens,” he explained.
Not to be overlooked, the competition remains fierce. Johnathan Broomhead, fresh off his 2024 win at this very course, posted a stellar 65 and now stands as Coetzee’s nearest challenger at 10 under par.
Ricky Hendler, after a second round of 66, is pushing to break into the top 20 on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit delivered by The Courier Guy, sharing joint third on nine under par with three-time tour champion Pieter Moolman (68) and Stals Swart (68), who is on the hunt for his maiden win on tour.
As the weekend beckons, all eyes remain on George Coetzee—not just for the lead he’s carved out, but for the promise of a riveting return to top form.
