Reitan holds five-shot lead as South Africans chase on final day at Sun City

South Africa’s Jayden Schaper has put himself firmly in the mix at the Nedbank Golf Challenge after a superb third-round 66 vaulted him into second place heading into Sunday’s finale.

The 24-year-old, chasing a maiden DP World Tour title, sits seven shots behind the leader and used eight birdies, including a bogey-free back nine, to ignite his charge on Moving Day.

Schaper believes the experience he has gained on the DP World Tour over the past few seasons will steady him for the pressure that awaits. With his family following every step, the local favourite will enjoy the full force of South African support on Sunday.

Growing up watching this tournament and now competing alongside some of the world’s best has been a full-circle moment for the young star. Every putt holds extra meaning with friends, supporters, and family lining the ropes and he knows these are the moments players dream about.

Reitan remains the man to catch

The overwhelming favourite remains Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan, who continued to win over local fans with hisrazor-sharp short game and composed approach around the Gary Player Country Club.

Despite a double bogey on the last, a hole he birdied on Friday, Reitan carded a 67, boosted by five birdies and an eagle on the ninth. He heads into the final round with a five-shot cushion, just 18 holes away from claiming a second DP World Tour victory.

A poor tee shot on the 18th forced him to reload from the bushes, but he steadied himself to limit the damage.

The stumble was a reminder of how unforgiving the course can be when accuracy slips, yet the Norwegian insists he has brushed off the error and is fully focused on the openingshot of the final day.

South African contenders still in the frame

Christian Bezuidenhout remains within reach after a steady 71, placing him third at 10-under, nine shots back. Left-hander Garrick Higgo and Daniel van Tonder are both tied for sixth at eight-under as the home charge continues.

Bezuidenhout believes a few technical adjustments, particularly with his irons, could still put him in contention should the leaders falter.

With the Gary Player Country Club known to transform into a different challenge from the championship tees, Sunday’s final round promises intensity. Reitan may be the favourite, but as Africa’s Major has often shown, nothing is guaranteed. - Written by Lennox Wasara