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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Tim Schmitt

Despite greens running almost at 14, this DP World Tour pro tied a course record and shares the lead in South Africa

With big names like Louis Oosthuizen and Dylan Frittelli looming in the field, Ockie Strydom wanted to make sure to get off to a fast start during Saturday’s third round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek Country Golf Club in South Africa.

When he looked at the Stimpmeter before starting his round, he knew fast was exactly how the day would play out.

“When I saw it on the first tee box 13 — I think it was 13.7 or something — I was like, OK, here we go,” said Strydom, a South African who entered the week ranked No. 384 in the Official World Golf Ranking. “And luckily on the first, I had a downhill putt to get a hang of it and I ran it about four feet past. So the greens are there, and you’ve just got to make it and just go with the speed.”

And go he did — kickstarted by an eagle on the second hole, Strydom made the turn at 29 en route to a 9-under 63 that pushed him to 15 under for the tournament and in a tie with Scott Jamieson. And while Strydom tied the course record, it’s the second 63 to be fired in 24 hours — Jamieson did the same during Saturday’s second round. The course, known for its stunning visuals, has played easy all week, despite the quick conditions.

Three other players, including Dean Burmester are two shots back at 13 under while Frittelli and Branden Grace are part of a trio at 12 under.

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