Staff WriterJacques Kruyswijk turned Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate into his personal playground on Saturday, firing a flawless 62 to storm into a two-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round of the Vodacom Origins of Golf.
The South African, who has always had a soft spot for the Cape, now sits at 12 under par and within touching distance of his second series title.
Kruyswijk’s round was as clean as a freshly polished trophy—no bogeys, plenty of birdies, and capped off with an eagle two on the eighth hole, his 17th of the day.
“Today was special. I always play well in the Cape. I played well and managed the course very well. That gave me a lot of scoring opportunities. If you get momentum on this course there are a lot of scoring opportunities out there. I’m looking forward to the final round. I’m getting a bit older so there is a lot more experience coming in. Hopefully that will show in the final round,” said Kruyswijk.
The chasing pack
Breathing down his neck are George Coetzee and Ryan van Velzen, both sitting at 10 under after rounds of 65 and 64. Coetzee, who first tasted professional glory on this very series back in 2007, clearly has a nostalgic fire burning.
“The Vodacom Origins of Golf series has been there for my whole career. It was my first professional victory. They’ve been great to the Sunshine Tour and have been very loyal, and as players we’re very grateful for that,” said Coetzee.
His second round started like a fireworks display—birdies on the opening three holes, followed by two more before the turn. The back nine was a mix of one bogey and two birdies, capped with the kind of shrug only a seasoned player can pull off.
“I didn’t feel like I was playing superb golf but I capitalised on the holes I played well on. I was very disappointed in the bogey on 11 because I had a five iron in on a par five and made bogey. But my caddie just told me to get over it.”
If Coetzee manages to spoil Jacques Kruyswijk’s weekend, it would be his sixth Vodacom Origins of Golf victory—good enough to move him into second place on the all-time list. Only Jean Hugo, with his intimidating haul of 12 titles, sits higher.
Venter keeps flying the flag
On the women’s side, Gabrielle Venter ensured the Sunshine Ladies Tour was represented into the weekend. She heads into the final round at two under par after signing for a 71.
What’s at stake
For Kruyswijk, this is about proving that the 2023 win wasn’t a one-off. This time he’s older, wiser, and playing golf that looks positively bulletproof.
For Coetzee, it’s a chance to rewrite history and cement his place among the Vodacom Origins greats. And for van Velzen? Well, Sundays like this can turn a name into a career.
The Cape has a way of producing drama on the fairways, and with Jacques Kruyswijk leading the charge, Devonvale looks set for a finish that could be as sparkling as the estate’s best vintage.
