Battle for dominance at Origins

Van Rooyen made an eagle two on the 12th to help him to the 36-hole lead in the incomplete round at Pezula Estate.

He held a one-stroke edge at nine-under-par over Dylan Frittelli, Keith Horne and Doug McGuigan when play was suspended due to mist and rain.

“The eagle was so much fun. You never expect it to go in, but the moment it vanishes, it’s just so great,” Van Rooyen said.

It was a great way for him to start his round which had begun on the 10th. He followed it up with birdies on 12 and 13 and a third on 18 to turn in five-under-par 31.

Van Rooyen made a bogey on five before closing things out with successive birdies on eight and nine to edge one clear of his pursuers.

“I’m very satisfied with that round. I’ve been hitting the ball really well the last couple of days, driving it well and hitting the irons really well, and the putts are starting to drop and that’s exciting.”

Behind the trio who were one behind Van Rooyen was Zambia’s Madalitso Muthiya who moved to seven-under for the tournament with a 71, the same score as Jean Hugo.

With his eye on the title, Van Rooyen would have a full go in the final round.

“My game’s coming together nicely. I’ve been in this position before, a couple of months ago at St Francis Links, so I’m just going to go out there and try and play my game and hopefully the putts keep dropping.”

– Sapa