The LIV golfer fired a bogey-free round of 63 on Saturday (16/11) to take the lead over Jean Hugo.

While the reigning South African Open champion hails from Bloemfontein, he has relocated to the Garden Route and he is familiar with the courses there, that’s when he is not playing abroad.

The series is where it all began for Burmester and he said it was nice to play a bit at home for a change.

“It’s nice to be home. It’s nice to see the fans come out and support a local boy,” said Burmester.

 “I’ve got a caddie who’s reading these green unbelievably well. I had ten putts on the back nine. My iron play is still a little bit rusty, but the rest of my game is sharp. I haven’t driven the ball this well in a long time, so that’s putting me in a good position to score.

 “I had a good up-and-down for par on 15 with the putt just dropping in. I also had two good up-and-downs for par on 16 and 17 where I could’ve quite easily come back to the field. I work very hard on my chipping.”

Gabrielle Venter. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“I have to give Branden Grace credit because he’s helped me a lot with that and not opening the face of the club too much and keeping it a little bit square, especially on those uphill lies. It’s paying dividends this week for sure.”

Hugo who is three strokes off the pace is chasing a record 13th title in the series.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle Venter of Bloemfontein is in the shared lead in the women’s competition on nine-under-par along with Danielle du Toit. The pair are in joint 25th overall after Venter shot 70 on Saturday, while Du Toit signed her card with a 69.

OFM Sport/Morgan PIek dg