Golf: Oosthuizen back in front at South African Open

JOHANNESBURG— Louis Oosthuizen was back in front at the South African Open on Saturday after a 4-under 67 gave him a three-shot lead and a chance at his first title at his home tournament.

Oosthuizen went ahead of fellow major winner Charl Schwartzel again after surrendering the lead in round two, when he fell two shots behind.

The 2010 British Open winner rebounded with a strong putting display to move to a 14-under 199 overall and open a handy advantage over a group of three players tied for second at the Firethorn Course at Randpark Golf Club.

Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, is among them after he struggled to a 1-over 72. Madalitso Muthiya (71) and Matt Wallace (68) are also 11 under.

“I’ve been putting well for a long time now,” Oosthuizen said. “(Saturday) I couldn’t make anything and today the makeable ones went in. Eighteen more holes of good golf and I just need to take (it) one shot at a time.”

Branden Grace is 8 under and part of a group of eight players tied for fifth, six strokes off the lead.

LEE GOES PRO: Jaclyn Lee has opted to forego her final semester of eligibility at the Ohio State University and begin a professional career in the LPGA, the Canadian golfer announced in an Instagram post Friday night.

The 21-year-old from Calgary wrote she will be wrapping up her degree at the American university in the spring, but will not be playing for its golf team.

Lee picked up her 2019 tour card in November after finishing sixth in the Q-Series LPGA tournament. She also earned second-team all-American honours from the Women’s Golf Coaches Association in July.