Staff WriterThe Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship at St Francis Links turned into a test of patience, grit, and plain stubborn refusal to give in, and Luke Jerling met the chaos head-on. By the end of a blustery Saturday, he’d dragged himself clear of the pack and into a two-shot lead on 13 under par—proof that experience on a moody coastal course still counts for something in this game.
Friday’s weather tantrum left the second round unfinished, forcing Jerling back out early on Saturday to polish off a tidy 66 and join Deon Germishuys (65) at nine under. Then came the third round—more wind, more teeth, and more trouble—yet Jerling walked off with a battling 68, a card littered with a double bogey, two bogeys and eight birdies. He’s now alone at the summit, with Germishuys and Joe Long lurking at 11 under.
If there’s anyone built for this kind of grind, it’s Jerling. St Francis Links has long been his proving ground.
“It was a good day overall despite the double bogey and a few bogeys. I thought I bounced back quite nicely from those mishaps. The conditions were tricky and it was probably like a two- to three-club wind.
But it’s nothing that I’m not used to around this place having grown up in Gqeberha. This place is close to my heart and I’ve played a lot here and won a few amateur titles here, so I’m experienced on this course.
I’m using that and playing smart. I’m very excited for the final round. This golf course, depending on which way the wind is blowing, your gameplan picks itself. Overall I’m very happy. It’s a huge privilege to go out there and try and win the Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship,” said Jerling.
That blend of comfort and confidence has him right where he wants to be: in control, eyes forward, and ready to see if this fickle Links gives him one final favour on Sunday.
But Jerling wasn’t the only headline. JJ Senekal produced the day’s firework with a spectacular ace on the par-three 14th, an eight-iron that never looked anywhere but the bottom of the cup. The reward? A cool 50,000 Skybucks courtesy of Airlink—proof that sometimes golf really does hand out the perfect souvenir.
As the Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship barrels toward its final round, the leaderboard is tight, the wind is unpredictable, and Jerling stands in the kind of position every pro wants but few truly relish.
He’ll need every bit of local know-how and nerve he’s banked over the years. And if the gusts keep howling, that two-shot cushion may evaporate faster than a missed tap-in.
Still, he’s earned the right to take the final walk with a target on his back. Now it’s up to him to finish the job.
