A few days ago Jaco Prinsloo was so ill he was considering withdrawing from the DNi Tour Championship presented by RMB. He’s happy he didn’t as he now takes a two-stroke lead into Sunday’s final round at the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate.

Prinsloo signed for a third round of 66 including a strong finish of two birdies to lead the field on 18 under par in this final tournament on the Courier Guy Playoffs series.

Altin van der Merwe produced a bogey-free 65 to finish the day as his nearest challenger on 16 under par. Martin Vorster, who led for two days, is currently third on 15 under par following a 71.

“I’m surprised. I had a rough start and thought about withdrawing, but luckily I managed to play. I’m very pleased to be here and finally feeling okay now,” Prinsloo said.

“I played solid for the most part and had one bad swing on the par-three 12th and took a double bogey there. But I’m feeling pretty relaxed and didn’t let it phase me too much. I kept going and finished with four birdies.”

It’s been a solid season for Prinsloo, who arrived at this final tournament with six top-10s on the Sunshine Tour. That includes tied fifth in the Serengeti Playoffs before this week.

“I was in Europe and lost my card on the Sunshine Tour, so for me to be here and in the top 20 on the Courier Guy Order of Merit – I’ve felt like I’ve done well. A win would be the cherry on top. But even so, I felt like I’ve done well and I’m just happy to be here. In the final round my focus will be just to make birdies and enjoy myself.”

Daniel van Tonder produced the round of the day – and eight-under 64 that took him to eight under for the tournament as well.