Van der Merwe takes narrow lead into final round at Mount Edgecombe

Kevin Rademeyer: Senior Sports Journalist

Photo Credit: Sunshine Tour

Graham van der Merwe will take a slender one stroke lead into Friday’s final round of the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Sun Sibaya at Mount Edgecombe, but the Sunshine Tour rookie knows he will have little room for error with a strong chasing pack in pursuit.

Van der Merwe carded a composed 67 at The Woods on Thursday to move to 10 under par and take sole possession of the lead.

Nikhil Rama and Pieter Moolman are one shot behind, while local favourite Jonathan Broomhead and Courier Guy Order of Merit leaders Samuel Simpson and Austin Bautista are a further shot adrift.

Van der Merwe delivered exactly the kind of round he had targeted as he looked to stay in contention.

“Today, I just wanted to keep things steady. I didn’t want to over commit to anything, and I didn’t want to make silly mistakes. It seemed to work out,” Van der Merwe said.

“I was very patient waiting for the birdies and they came when they needed to come. I am happy with the round. I would’ve taken it if you gave it to me this morning.”

The pressure will increase in the final round, however, with Van der Merwe expecting the chasing pack to attack.

“There are a lot of players around me, so I will have to be more aggressive in the final round. I know the boys are going to push hard, so I will just stick to my game and try and push where I need to push without trying to go for anything too silly,” he said.

Rama will also head into Friday’s final round with confidence after once again putting himself in contention for a Sunshine Tour title.

The golfer finished runner up at the recent Sunbet Challenge Wild Coast Sun and produced another impressive display on Thursday, recovering from an opening bogey with eight birdies before dropping another shot on the final hole.

“I started with a bogey but made eight birdies after that and got myself back in it. Unfortunately, on the last hole I made a bogey again,” Rama said.

“I hit the ball really well and I am happy with where I am with my game. Everything is feeling pretty good at the moment. I am looking forward to the battle in the final round.”

Having gone close at the Wild Coast Sun, Rama is hoping for a different result this time around.

“I got myself into contention again, and hopefully this week’s outcome can be a little different. Hopefully I can get over the line, but we’ll see,” he said.

With just two strokes separating the leader from several of the leading contenders, Friday’s final round promises a tense finish as Van der Merwe bids to secure his maiden Sunshine Tour title.