With so much on the line in The Courier Guy Playoffs Series, it’s hardly surprising that everybody from the young pros to the experienced ones were feeling it in Saturday’s third round of the Serengeti Playoffs at Serengeti Estates.
George Coetzee held onto his lead in this event, with a third round of 69 lifting him to 16 under par and three strokes clear going into Sunday’s final round.
It will be a big final round for him as he seeks the affirmation of the hard work he’s put in since his return from injury.
The experienced Sunshine Tour professional started his third round with four birdies in his first five holes, and will try to put his double-bogey on 18 out of his mind.
Daniel van Tonder is his nearest challenger on 13 under following a solid 64.
But Jonathan Broomhead, who is sitting tied third with Stals Swart on 12 under par, summed up the general tenseness of the playoffs when he said, “There’s a lot on the line at the moment. I was struggling to handle my nerves today”.
Coetzee, though, was very happy with his long game in particular.
“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.”
If anything, as he seeks to hone his own competitive edge after his injury, Coetzee has been more than willing to lend some of his experience to the younger professionals on the Sunshine Tour.
“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.
With Van Tonder chasing him, and young guns like Broomhead and Swart also ready to take advantage, Coetzee will use every bit of his vast experience in a final round poised to be an incredible showcase.
Photo: Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour
