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Johannesburg - George Coetzee made nine birdies and an eagle on his way to a course record nine-under par 63 in the third round of the South African Open at Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate in Gauteng.
Coetzee started the day at four under, and despite two bogies in a scorecard which included just six pars, he was well-placed on 13 under for a Sunday assault, in the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event.
Coetzee finished his round while the leading group had several holes left to play. Swede Henrik Stenson was leading on 15 under and playing partner Merrick Bremner on 11 under, with four holes left to play.
Coetzee began his round with two birdies in a row starting on the first. On the par-four fourth, he made eagle by holing his approach from the fairway.
“Even after four holes today I still didn't really starting thinking about the number that I could shoot,” said Coetzee after his round.
“I just gave it the best I could. Luckily enough for me I did get the birdies I needed.”
Coetzee attributed his record score to maintaining his focus better than he has in the past.
“I've been working very hard on keeping myself in the present and not worrying about the results and what you can get if you birdie every single coming hole," he said.
"That kind of thing hasn't worked for me in the past and I'm sure it will never work in the future.
"Even though I made that bogey I felt I handled it a lot better and just waited for my opportunities.”
