Erik van Rooyen emerged on Saturday as South Africa’s best hope of victory thanks to a 66 that moved him into a share of sixth at the RBC Heritage, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
The third round played to its cliche of being moving day with half a dozen players shooting 63s including leader Tyrrell Hatton with nine to play for the second round leaders.
Van Rooyen’s round began with three birdies in his first five holes and ended with three in a row from the 15th as he climbed five places. He will start Sunday two back of Hatton with four players sharing second including last week’s winner Daniel Berger.
The leading South African finds himself as one of eight players at -13 including Presidents Cup duo Joaquin Niemann and Abraham Ancer.
Charl Schwartzel enjoyed a fine morning’s work with a 66 that moved him up 27 places to share 35th alongside Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who for the second straight day didn’t miss a putt inside ten feet. His 68 was based on sound work off the tee where he hit 85% of fairways at Harbour Town Golf Links.
Branden Grace’s 67 will see him start a shot back of Schwartzel and Bezuidenhout. Grace’s putter was back in top form as he gained 1.8 strokes of the field in round three despite hitting just half the fairways in regulation.
A closing birdie helped Ernie Els finished with a one over par 72. He will start the final round one back of Grace and in a share of 56th place.
Dylan Frittelli had a day to forget as he dropped 36 places after a level 71 which left him tied alongside Grace.
