Only one bogey from Max Homa for 54 holes at the Nedbank Golf Challenge

Max Homa started the tournament in fantastic form with an opening six under round of 66. The American continued to impress as he shot a second round of four under to tie the lead on 10 under at the halfway stage. Homa played a fantastic chip shot to achieve a par on the second hole. Homa incredibly made his first bogey on the fourth hole on day three but bounced back immediately to birdie the fifth hole. He made pars at the sixth and seventh hole before setting up an excellent birdie opportunity at the eight hole.

Homa had to settle for par at the eight but gained a shot as leader Matthieu Pavon made a bogey. The ninth at Gary Player Golf Course is a par five with the green surrounded by water. Homa had to lay up short of the water and played a great third shot but missed the birdie putt. The 10th hole at Gary Player Golf Course is also a par five and Homa played an outstanding shot out of the bunker which went into the hole for an eagle. The 12th is a 214 yard par three and Homa played an extraordinary shot from the waste area and achieved an outstanding par. The 14th is the last scoring opportunity at Gary Player Golf Course and Homa reached 13 under after an up & down for birdie.

Homa had 114 yards for his second shot at the par four 15th and set up another birdie opportunity but yet again had to settle for a par. The last three holes at Gary Player are extremely difficult with a 208 yard par three, the par four 17th green is surrounded by water and the 18th is tough as there was only one birdie made there on day three. Homa went into the lead on his own on 13 under after Pavon missed his par putt at the 16th hole. Homa had 157 yards for his second shot at the 17th and set up another birdie putt. Homa’s birdie putt from 16 feet just missed the hole.

The flag position at the 18th was in a tough position and Homa was unlucky that his second shot didn’t stay on the green. Homa played a great chip shot and tapped in a short range putt for par. Homa shot a third round of three under and leads on 13 under going into the final round. Homa’s ball striking was impressive today but his medium range putting needs improvement for the final round.

It’s set up for a great final round with Homa leading and great players in the chasing pack which includes Denmark duo Thorbjorn Olesen and Nicolai Hojgaard. Double defending champion Tommy Fleetwood is only six behind and expect a good final round from the Englishman. Just a reminder that the final round will start at 7am on Sky Sports. Homa is in the driving seat and I think he will do enough on the final round to win.