South African Darren Fichardt stormed his way into a four-way share of the lead on day three of the rain affected Tshwane Open in Centurion.
Just under two hours play was lost when a thunderstorm forced players from the Els Club course at the Copperleaf Golf Estate just after 3pm local time.
When play resumed Fichardt, who is looking for a second straight Race to Dubai success, birdied his closing three holes in a round of an eight under par 64 for a 16-unde par total and with his third round score just a shot shy of the course record.
Chile’s Mark Tullo looking to break a South African stranglehold atop of the board on day three of the Tschwane Open. (Photo – Catherine Kotze/SASPA
The 37-year, who lives just 10 minutes from the course, was then joined by Chilean Mark Tullo (67) and fellow South African’s Charl Coetzee (68) and Dawie Van Der Walt (67).
“I’m really chuffed with how I finished up today,” said Fichardt who was on the 15th green when play was halted.
“The delay made me settle down and just think about things. I had about 20 minutes to read the line and then I made that putt and finished with three good birdies.
“My putter obviously got hotter as I was sitting waiting for the delay to finish.”
Fichardt is no stranger to success having won last fortnight’s similar co-sanctioned Joburg Open and his fourth Race to Dubai victory in 11 years.
If Fichardt, Coetzee or Van Der Walt win it would be the fifth victory by a South African player in 10 Race to Dubai events this year.
“A European double victory would mean a lot, but I don’t want to think about it too much,” said Fichardt.
“It would mean a huge amount, especially to take a win here in Pretoria and so close to my home and with so many family and friends here to support me.”
But while Fichardt has won before on both the European and Sunshine Tours, Tullo, Coetzee and Van Der Walt have yet to win on either Tour.
The 35-year Santiago-born Tullo has captured three Chile Open’s and won also on the secondary European Challenge Tour while Van Fer Walt, who went to the University of Lamar in Texas, has four wins on the US Hooters Tour.
And a win for the Cape Town based Coeztee would be a double celebration as he turns 32 on Monday.
“It’s just been so much fun,” said Coetzee.
“This whole week has been a new experience for me and I’ve loved every minute of it, so I’m just looking forward so much to tomorrow now.”
