Wilco Nienaber will take a six-shot lead into the final round of the NTT DATA Pro Am as he looks to win the event for the second time at Fancourt Golf Estate.
The South African, who entered the third round with a three-shot advantage, posted a six under par round of 66 on the Montagu Course to move to 25 under and six clear of countryman Jacques Blaauw in second.
The 24-year-old made his first bogey of the week at the par-four first hole but bounced back brilliantly with birdies at the fifth, sixth and ninth to make the turn at two under for the day. He made four more gains coming in to ensure his position at the top of the leaderboard ahead of the final day in George.
“It’s a lot of fun out there,” he said. “I’m having a great time on three amazing golf courses, so I can’t complain.
“I made a bogey at the first because I got plugged in the bunker. I knew I could make plenty of birdies, so it didn’t bother me too much. I’m proud of the way I finished with three birdies and I’m rolling the putter nicely and hopefully it stays that way tomorrow.
“I’ve got a new shaft in the driver and it’s a little bit heavier and stiffer which means I can hit it hard, which is what I want. I’ve been putting in the work and I’m feeling confident ahead of the final round. I’m going to hit it long and hole some more putts.”
Nienaber defeated Swede Henric Sturehed in a play-off to secure his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title at the NTT DATA Pro Am in 2021 and he is now in prime position to get his hands on the iconic eagle trophy once again.
“I thought about my victory in 2021 a little bit today throughout my round. This golf course brings back great memories but I’m going to just stay in the same headspace as I have for the first three rounds.
“I really like the back nine on the Montagu so I know that if I need to push it a little bit tomorrow, I can make birdies. I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully I can win this event again.”
South African Kyle Barker sits in third position on 17 under par, while Swede Per Längfors carded a five under 68 on The Links to move into fourth alongside Sam Jones from New Zealand on 15 under par.
South Africa’s Jean-Paul Strydom posted an eight under 65, also on The Links, to climb into sixth on 14 under par, while England’s Jamie Rutherford and Scotland’s Daniel Young are a shot further back in seventh.
The NTT Data Pro Am is contested over Fancourt’s three courses – Montagu, Outeniqua and The Links – with tomorrow’s final round taking place on the Montagu.
