With ideal scoring conditions early on, several players made fast starts, but the course gradually showed its teeth as the wind picked up and tricky pin positions demanded precision. The result was a round full of momentum swings, where patience and smart course management proved just as important as moments of brilliance.

Branden Grace. Photo: Pedro Salado/LIV Golf

South Africa’s charge has been one of the stories of the tournament, and that continued on Saturday. Branden Grace will head into the final round in a share of second place on 19-under-par after another composed display, keeping the pressure firmly on the leader. 

Close behind him, former Bloemfontein professional Dean Burmester remains right in the mix in a tie for fourth on 17-under, underlining the strong local presence near the top of the leaderboard.

There’s also plenty to cheer about in the team competition, where the all-South African outfit, the Southern Guards, continue to set the pace. Led by Louis Oosthuizen and featuring Charl Schwartzel, they sit at an impressive 60-under-par, holding a narrow two-shot lead over Fireballs GC and Torque GC.

Their consistency across all four players has been key, and they’ll take confidence into Sunday knowing they’ve controlled the race so far.

At the top of the individual leaderboard, Bryson DeChambeau once again showed his class, carding another solid round to stay in front on 21-under-par. His trademark power off the tee, combined with a sharp touch on the greens, has kept him ahead, but he hasn’t been able to shake the chasing pack.

Several players made big moves on the back nine, taking advantage of scoring opportunities and keeping the leaderboard in constant motion. Birdies flowed, eagles threatened, and the atmosphere built as the afternoon wore on.

Mike Stobe. Photo: LIV Golf

The local galleries were right behind the South Africans throughout, and the response from the players was equally spirited. With multiple homegrown contenders still firmly in the hunt, both individually and in the team event, the prospect of a South African victory remains very real.

As play wrapped up, just a handful of shots separated the leading group, setting the stage for a blockbuster finish. If day three was anything to go by, Sunday at Steyn City promises drama, pressure, and possibly a memorable home triumph.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg