NAIROBI, Kenya (14 October 2015) – South Africa’s title defence at the Africa Amateur Golf Team Championship in jeopardy and the defending champions will have to chase down Zimbabwe to secure their eighth victory in the prestigious teams championship at Limuru Country Club.

The South African team combined for a 222 to finish on 664, but lost their joint overnight lead and will start the final round two strokes behind Zimbabwe.

North West’s Aubrey Beckley carded 70 to anchor the side for a second successive day, while Andre Nel from Southern Cape returned a 75 and Jason Smith from Gauteng North registered a 77.

Jade Buitendag from Southern Cape signed for a non-counting 78.

However, David Amm fired a 70, Robson Chinoi contributed 74 and Tonderoi Masunga and Visitor Mapwanya both carded 75s for a total of 219 that catapulted Zimbabwer into the top spot.

Beckley leads in the Individual Competition on two over 215 after rounds of 74, 71 and 70.

The Potchefstroom amateur is two strokes clear of Ludovix Bax from Mauritius (74-74-69) and Uganda’s Rod Otile (69-77-71).

“Aubrey is hitting it great and was chipping and putting really well,” TuksGolf Academies head coach Llewellyn van Leeuwen said.

“Andre made a couple of soft mistakes, but he has no weaknesses in his game. He could quite easily turn a few heads in the final round.

“Jason made a triple on the fourth and was on the back foot for the rest of the round. His game is in great shape, though, and he should come out swinging on Thursday.

“Jade is struggling but is such a determined fella, so I know he’ll work hard once again post round to ensure he finds his groove again.”

THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD
662 Zimbabwe 225 218 219
664 South Africa 216 226 222
672 Kenya 220 222 230
675 Uganda 222 226 226
679 Zambia 220 236 223
686 Mauritius 233 231 222
700 Tanzania 235 232 233
704 Tunisia 235 233 236
718 Egypt 244 235 239
720 Namibia 242 233 245; Botswana 253 231 236
723 Ivory Coast 241 239 243
749 Seychelles 242 253 254

PHOTO – Team South Africa at the driving range during All Africa Golf Team Championships; credit SAGA.