David GonzalezThere are low rounds, and then there are the sort that leave the rest of the leaderboard wondering quite what they’re supposed to do about it.
Louis Albertse produced the latter on Saturday, shooting a superb 63 to reach 23 under par and take a commanding three-shot lead into the final round of the Telkom PGA Championship at Country Club Johannesburg.
The performance has also brought a longstanding tournament record into play. Louis Oosthuizen’s winning total of 28 under par, set in 2008, remains the mark to beat, while George Coetzee’s 27-under victory in 2011 was the last time the championship witnessed scoring of this magnitude.
Albertse now has 18 holes to see whether he can go one better.
Albertse’s Putter Does the Damage
Starting Saturday two shots behind overnight leader Samuel Simpson, Albertse wasted little time turning the contest around.
Six birdies in eight holes, beginning at the third, sent him charging up the leaderboard. Just when his rivals might have hoped he was finished, he added another three birdies across his closing four holes.
It was a ruthless display of scoring, particularly on the greens, and Simpson had a front-row seat.
“Louis played some incredible golf. Just so solid and his putting is incredible, so well done to him. It’s a big day tomorrow,” Simpson admitted.
The overnight leader could hardly be accused of surrendering. Despite struggling to find his best golf, Simpson signed for a 68, finishing with three consecutive birdies to remain Albertse’s nearest challenger at 20 under par.
Having finished runner-up in last year’s championship and already collected three victories this season, the 24-year-old knows he has the game to make Sunday uncomfortable for the leader.
“I’m really proud of the way I fought even with not my best. To finish with three birdies in a row, and a couple of par saves. Finishing second in last year’s tournament, I would love to get my hands on the trophy,” he said.
Simpson’s Growing Reputation Earns Burmester’s Praise
While Albertse grabbed the headlines, Simpson’s performances have not gone unnoticed by some of the more established names in the field.
Dean Burmester, who played alongside Simpson earlier in the championship, offered a particularly glowing assessment of the youngster’s ability.
“It’s so good to see a kid with that much talent, to be able to bomb it like that and hit it straight is impressive. He really impressed me and is a generational talent for sure,” Burmester said.
It is considerable praise, although Simpson’s response to a difficult Saturday perhaps offers as much encouragement as his considerable ball-striking ability.
Rather than dwelling on the shots that got away, he spoke about learning to embrace the less convincing days and finding satisfaction in competing even when everything isn’t quite clicking.
That attitude could prove useful in a final round where another low score may be required simply to keep pace.
Kyle de Beer and Dean Burmester Still in the Hunt
The championship is far from a two-man contest.
Recent Rwanda Open winner Kyle de Beer made his own move on Saturday, birdieing the final two holes to complete a 65 and climb into third place at 19 under par.
De Beer credited the relaxed atmosphere of his group, alongside Burmester and Deon Germishuys, for helping him settle into his round.
“Today I had a really nice group with Dean (Burmester) and Deon (Germishuys), and that relaxed atmosphere helped me to also play some good golf. Coming off the Rwanda win, there is definitely no fear going into tomorrow. Playing with Louis (Albertse) and Samuel (Simpson) tomorrow, I know I’ll have to be on top form,” De Beer said.
Burmester, meanwhile, remains five shots off the lead at 18 under par and has not abandoned hope of adding a second Telkom PGA Championship title to the one he claimed in 2021.
A closing birdie kept his challenge alive, and he believes a round of 10 under par is entirely possible on Sunday.
On a course that has already surrendered some extraordinary scores, it would be unwise to dismiss the possibility.
Albertse has done everything required to put himself in control. A three-shot cushion, a putter in excellent working order and a tournament record within reach make for an enviable position.
But with Simpson refusing to go quietly, De Beer arriving full of confidence and Burmester ready to attack, there is still plenty of golf left in this championship.
Albertse has set the target. Now comes the difficult part of making sure nobody catches him.
