Luke Jerling had to endure it all on a challenging Saturday of the Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship at St Francis Links, and ended it with a two-shot lead on 13 under par.
After Friday’s weather interruption left the second round incomplete, Jerling finished his second round on Saturday morning with a 66 and a share of the lead with Deon Germishuys (65) on nine under par.
Related: Simpson keeps lead as weather intervenes
Jerling then endured a tricky third round in which he fought hard for a 68 that included one double bogey, two bogeys and eight birdies to take the sole lead.
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Germishuys and Joe Long are his nearest challengers on 11 under par.
But Jerling is extremely experienced and familiar with what St Francis Links can throw at a golfer, having played enough golf here over the years.
“It was a good day overall despite the double bogey and a few bogeys. I thought I bounced back quite nicely from those mishaps. The conditions were tricky and it was probably like a two- to three-club wind. But it’s nothing that I’m not used to around this place having grown up in Gqeberha. This place is close to my heart and I’ve played a lot here and won a few amateur titles here, so I’m experienced on this course.
“I’m using that and playing smart. I’m very excited for the final round. This golf course, depending on which way the wind is blowing, your gameplan picks itself. Overall I’m very happy. It’s a huge privilege to go out there and try and win the Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship,” said Jerling.
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Saturdays third round also produced a spectacular highlight in JJ Senekal’s hole-in-one on the par-three 14th hole, where he holed out with his eight iron to earn 50 000 Skybucks compliments of Airlink.
