Garcia in pole position at Sun City as fantastic run of form continues
Sergio Garcia continued his remarkable recent run of form as he opened up a twoshot lead heading into today’s final round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa.
The Spaniard’s play in the early part of 2018 was so poor that some saw him as a risky selection for a Ryder Cup wild card. But he has not looked back since being selected by Europe captain Thomas Bjorn.
He finished in the top 10 at the Portugal Masters, won three points in the victory at Le Golf National – to become the competition’s alltime highest points scorer – and then successfully defended his title at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.
The 2017 Masters champion led after days one and two in Sun City and a third-round 71 moved him to 10- under- par, two shots clear of f e l l ow Ma j o r w i n n e r Louis Oosthuizen.
England’s Lee Westwood was then at seven- under alongside Belgian Thomas Detry and Finn Mikko Korhonen, with another Englishman in Ross Fisher a further shot back.
“It’s going to be tough, there’s no doubt about that,” Garcia said.
“But it’s great to come with some good momentum, playing nicely and in the lead. It should be a fun day.
“I think if I can manage to shoot somewhere in the 60s, maybe 70 might be enough. I’m going to see if I can shoot below 70 and see if that’s good enough.”
Garcia – a winner at this event in 2001 and 2003 – birdied the par-five second and hit a stunning approach into the third for backtoback birdies and a three- shot lead.
He got in tree trouble on the 13th but birdied the 17th after another excellent approach before sending his second into the stands for a closing bogey.
Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, made two birdies and two bogeys to lead the home charge after a 72.
The South African commented: “It was tough for me. I didn’t play well, I didn’t hit many good shots, really.
“So I realised early on that it was a round I needed to keep together and not really blow myself out of the tournament. I hung in nicely.
“I made a little bit of a stupid error on 14, but other than that, the way I was playing today, I’m very happy to be two behind.
“I enjoy playing with the leader. It’s what we play for to be in that spot, playing the last group on a Sunday.
“I just need to go out and fire at pins and, hopefully, have a good round.
Meanwhile, Westwood – winner here in 2010 and 2011 – said after signing for a 69: “It reminds me, in a little way, of Augusta the way you have to tackle it.
“You have to play away from pins and sometimes you have putts that you don’t want or leave in a spot where you can’t get it up-and-down.
“I’m always excited when I’m in contention and it’s always lovely being in the last couple of groups in this tournament, the crowds are always very enthusiastic and given me a lot of support.”
Fisher dropped eight shots in his last four holes on Friday, but recovered admirably with a thirdround 67.