By Michael Vlismas.
Edenvale (Gauteng) – Cole Stevens has a maiden Sunshine Tour title firmly in sight as he takes a three-stroke lead into Sunday’s final round of the Stella Artois Players Championship at Glendower Golf Club.
Stevens signed for a 64 on Saturday – including an eagle two on the seventh hole – to lead on 20 under par. He made an incredible start to this third round as he opened with five birdies and an eagle in his first seven holes on his way to an astonishing 29 on the front nine.
His nearest challenger remains Luke Brown on 17 under par. Brown finished the day strong with an eagle and a birdie over his final two holes for a 66.
And Deon Germishuys will start the final round in third place on 15 under par following his 67.
“Everything just kind of fell together. Off the tee it wasn’t the best but I got a little bit fortunate to get some gaps and capitalise on the front nine. It was really fun out there, “said Stevens.
The eagle was certainly the highlight of his round.
“I was trying to hit a cut shot off the tee, but double-crossed the shot. I ended up getting through all the trees and past everything. I had a clear view of the flag and I knew if I pitched it somewhere close to the hole it would stick there. It bounced once and went in, it was surreal.”
Stevens was also leading going into the final round at the recent Limpopo Championship where he finished second, and he’ll take the lessons from that experience into this final round.
“It kind of feels the same as in Limpopo. It’s a lot of pressure, but a privilege to have this pressure and I look forward to getting it over the line this time,” Stevens said.