While he didn’t match the pyrotechnics of the leader, Jbe’ Kruger ground his way to a four-under-par 66 on Saturday to set himself up in a share of third after the third round of the Asian Tour’s International Series Macau at Macau Golf and Country Club in Macau, China.
With the course set up for low scoring, Kruger appeared ill at ease with his game, but moved to 15-under-par ahead of the final round while not dropping a shot. But that was barely a match for the leader, John Catlin of the United States, who made nine birdies and an eagle on his way to an 11-under-par 59, the first sub-60 round on the Asian Tour.
Catlin’s achievement took him to 18-under-par for the tournament, two clear of Jason Kokrak of the United States who had a bogey-free eight-under to get to 16-under.
A measure of Kruger’s ability to hang in there can be taken from the fact that, of the seven players on 14-under and better heading into the final round, only three made a bogey in their third rounds. And with the course playing short and the greens soft, the final round could produce fireworks.
In a share of third with Kruger was Australia’s Lucas Herbert, who was one of these who dropped a shot. He still signed for an eight-under 62.
The other South African who made the cut was Jaco Ahlers, who had a two-under 68 in his third round, That moved him to six-under for the tournament and a share of 56th.
