A new young talent is on the brink of announcing itself on the Sunshine Tour, with 24-year-old Cole Stevens set to take a five-stroke lead into Sunday’s final round of the Limpopo Championship at the Euphoria Golf and Lifestyle Estate.
Related: Rookie Stevens not shakin’ as he chases first Sunshine Tour title
Stevens, currently third on the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings, went into Saturday’s third round with a three-stroke lead and built on that. He signed for a 70 on Saturday to climb to 14 under par.
Jacques Blaauw (72) and Jordan Burnand (66) are his nearest challengers on nine under par.
Playing with the experienced Blaauw on Saturday, Stevens showed no signs of nerves as he opened with a birdie. Following a bogey on the fourth, he eagled the par-five ninth hole to keep himself in front. And the back nine delivered a bogey and a birdie.
View this post on Instagram
“Up until hole nine, it was kind of just a mediocre round and I just wanted to pull one good shot together at a time and that’s what happened,” he said.
“I hit really good putts on the front nine – a couple didn’t go in and a few did so I am happy. I am just following my process and keeping my routine the same, and focusing on my breathing.”
Behind him, Burnand is also hunting his breakthrough on the Sunshine Tour and produced the lowest round of the day – a bogey-free 66.
View this post on Instagram
“It was a really good round of golf. I’m really pleased with that. The front nine was super solid. It got really hot around the turn but I made birdie on the 11th hole and eagle on the 12th hole – that made the round. To finish off strong in the swirling wind, I was quite happy with that,” Burnand said.
View this post on Instagram
“I love this place and think this golf course is fantastic. I think any time you get to play four rounds on this golf course is a privilege. I’m just hoping for a good night’s rest and to come out tomorrow and continue what I started here today.”
