Schaper goes on the hunt at childhood dream event, the Nedbank Golf Challenge

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. He used eight birdies, including a bogey-free back nine, to ignite his charge on ‘moving day.’

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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 the 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 his razor-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, 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 this course can be when accuracy slips, yet the Norwegian insists he has brushed off the error and is fully focused on the opening shot 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 place him in contention should the leaders falter.

With the Gary Player Country Club known to morph 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.

Nedbank’s Commitment to Community and South African Golf

While covering the tournament, EWN Sport also secured exclusive access to Nedbank Group Chief Executive Jason Quinn, who emphasised the significance of the 66-player field and the long-standing partnership honouring Gary Player.

He highlighted the international appeal of the event, the strong summer conditions, and the opportunity to showcase South Africa to a global audience. With 13 South Africans in the field, Quinn believes the tournament remains a major source of inspiration for young golfers, recalling his own childhood memories of watching his heroes from behind the ropes.

Quinn underscored Nedbank’ broader purpose: using financial expertise to drive positive impact. From job creation in the North West during tournament week to innovations like Green Time, which provides Private Bank and Premium clients access to selected golf courses, the bank aims to bring tangible value to its communities.

Nedbank’s sporting footprint extends beyond golf, including the Nedbank Cup in football and new initiatives such as the Nedbank Gravel Burn, a seven-day, 800-kilometre international gravel-bike race that generates employment and boosts local economies.

Nedbank has been part of South Africa for nearly 140 years, and Quinn says sustainability remains woven into its culture as it looks towards the next century.

Nthabiseng Matshekga, Executive Head of Integrated Marketing and Experience at Nedbank, emphasised the tournament’s commitment to uplifting neighbouring communities through targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing local economic participation.

Written by Lennox Wasara