Day three digest: 2020 South African Open

Everything you need to know from the third round at Gary Player Country Club.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout boosted his chances of back to back wins on day three of the 2020 South African Open.

Here is everything you need to know from the third round at Gary Player Country Club.

Bezuidenhout's fine form continues

Last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship winner Christiaan Bezuidenhout could well make it two European Tour titles in as many weeks after a third round 67 sent him five shots clear in Sun City. “I’m really happy to be in this position,” said the 26-year-old. “I’ve played three solid rounds of golf and have stuck to my game-plan by not taking the golf course on and just keeping it in play. This is my fourth week in a row but I’ve been sleeping well and my body is holding up quite well. I’m just trying to manage myself. I just need to hold up for another 24 hours. But it’s amazing to be in this position.”

Donaldson and Frittelli lead chasing pack

Jamie Donaldson started Saturday level with Bezuidenhout but a 72 saw him cast adrift, with Dylan Frittelli's 70 seeing him join the Welshman as Bezuidenhout's nearest challengers. “I’m going to try and go as low as I can, so it will take something around there to catch him because he’s not going to shoot anything less than 70 the way he’s playing,” Frittelli said. “I’ll have to go out and shoot five, six or seven under on the final day and try and put some pressure on Christiaan.”

Ritchie on a roll

JC Ritchie came into this week on the back of eight straight missed cuts on the European Tour, but he embarked on a happier run during his third round. With the weight of trying to make the weekend off his shoulders, Ritchie reeled off five straight birdies approaching the turn to climb into a share of fourth.

Luiten's looping putt

Joost Luiten looked to be aiming way off target with his birdie putt at the ninth, but the Dutchman knew exactly what he was doing.

Johnstone or grey go-away-bird?

More like go away and work on your bird impressions. Sorry Tony.