Shaun Norris will take a commanding four-shot lead into Sunday’s final round of the Joburg Open International Golf Tournament as he pursues his third DP World Tour title and his second victory in less than three months.
The South African navigated challenging third-round pin positions at Houghton Golf Club, carding a composed 67 on Saturday to move to 14 under par overall.
His closest challengers, compatriot Jacques Kruyswijk and France’s Adrien Saddier, trail at 10 under. Kruyswijk, who finished fourth in last year’s Joburg Open and secured his maiden DP World Tour title at February’s Magical Kenya Open, posted a solid 68. Saddier signed for a 70.
Norris continues to battle an ear infection that has troubled him throughout the week, yet it has done little to hinder his performance. Starting the third round with a slender one-shot advantage, he maintained his lead through the turn before producing three birdies in five holes from the 10th, extending his cushion.
“The ear is still blocked, and I can’t hear out of it. It was a little sore, but the doctor has given me some good pain medication. Fortunately, it hasn’t been bothering me on the course, but when my brother, who is also my caddie, is on my left, I can’t hear a word he says,” Norris said.
“I hit the ball well and gave myself some good chances. There were a few bad shots, but that’s golf, it’s about how you handle the rest of the round.”
With one round remaining, Norris remains unrelenting in his pursuit of victory. “It’s nice to have a four-shot lead, but I want to win by 10. So, I’ll keep going and change nothing,” he said.
Kruyswijk relishes the challenge of hunting down the leader. “I love chasing a leader. That’s why I play this game. I’m looking forward to a battle in the final round. Shaun is playing some great golf, and it will take something special to beat him,” said Kruyswijk, whose third round was highlighted by a spectacular hole-out eagle with a wedge at the par-five 10th.
Saddier remains hopeful of mounting early pressure. “If I can start well, I might put some pressure on the leader and have a good day,” he said.
Meanwhile, several other South Africans remain in contention, with Robin Williams, Daniel van Tonder, and Jaco Ahlers all tied at 8 under, determined to mount a late charge.
With a stacked leaderboard and plenty of local interest, Sunday’s final round promises a thrilling conclusion, with Norris in control but challengers poised to capitalise on any slip-ups.
Written by Luyanda Lunika
09/03/2025