TIGRE, Argentina (29 March 2015) – The South African team will give today’s final round one last push, while France, Ireland and Australia will go head-to-head for victory in the Southern Cross Invitational at the Nordelta Golf Club in Tigre.
Romain Lagasque (67), Jeremy Gandon (72) and Edgar Catherine (75) combined for a total of 214 to lift France into pole position for the first time in the prestigious team competition.
The side leads on 640, but will take a more one stroke lead into the last round over Ireland, who led through the first two rounds.
Australia posted a third round 208 to finish just five off the pace.
South Africa still lingers in eighth place, however, the local quartet produced a third round 219 and reduced their deficit to seventh placed Portugal to just two strokes.
Former SA Stroke Play champion Jason Smith broke par for a second successive day and led the team with a two under 70, while Tristen Strydom came home in 73 strokes.
Gerlou Roux and Hendrikus Stoop both signed for 76s.
“After a disappointing week at the Argentine Stroke Play, it was fun to watch Jason hit his stride again,” said national coach Llewellyn van Leeuwen.
“He had four birdies against two bogeys and still left a few out there, but it was a solid round. It was good to see Tristen’s back problems improve and it showed on the golf course.
“He was very solid from tee to green and we look forward to him ending the week on a high note.”
Stoop walked off the par-four third with a triple bogey, but battled his way back to one over.
“Hendrikus missed short chances for birdies at the 13th and 14th, but two doubles at 15 and 16 halted a spirited fightback,” Van Leeuwen said.
“It was a much better effort from him that showed that his game is on the right track. Let’s hope he can keep those mistakes to a minimum in the final round.
“Gerlou played much better than the 76 on his scorecard. It was just one of those days where nothing really happened out there for him.
“The boys will give the final round a big push to get us past Portugal, but overall, the experience has been fantastic and they have certainly learned a lot from the experience.”
THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD
640 France 213 213 214
641 Ireland 211 212 218
645 Australia 219 218 208
659 Canada 222 216 221
664 Chile 224 216 224
665 Argentina 227 214 224
666 Portugal 225 222 219
668 South Africa 229 220 219
PHOTO: Gauteng North’s Jason Smith led the SA team with a third round 70 in the Southern Cross Invitational; credit SAGA.
To view scoring from the Southern Cross Invitational, click HERE