Shaun Norris will take a four-stroke lead into Sunday’s final round of the Steyn City Championship as he chases the biggest victory of his career on the DP World Tour.
Norris signed for a third round of 67 to climb to 23 under par overall. His nearest challenger is fellow South African Dean Burmester on 19 under par following his 66, and Germany’s Matti Schmid will start the final round on 18 under par following a 64 on Saturday.
Norris, who says he often jokes with his caddie and younger brother Kyle that he seems to start his rounds “as if I’m asleep”, made a fast start to his third round with two birdies in his first three holes. He added another four birdies and only one bogey.
“My putting has been very good the last couple of days. I’ve also been working a lot on my driving, and I’m glad it’s all starting to show,” he said.
Norris has nine victories worldwide, but admits a win here at Steyn City would be big for him.
“This would be special. I haven’t won in South Africa for 11 years. It would be a special one, and with my baby girl being born a few weeks ago, this would be for her.”
Burmester will be chasing equally hard as he goes in search of a third DP World Tour victory. He started his third round with four consecutive birdies and also made three in a row over the turn.
“My game feels like it’s going in the right direction,” he said. “I didn’t drive the ball as well as I did the other days, but I’m still putting great. I hit a lot of good putts that didn’t go in. If they do go in on the final day, it will be a low one.”
By Michael Vlismas
