Jacques Kruyswijk climbed to the top of the leaderboard ahead of the final round of the Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa after firing a bogey-free 64 on Saturday afternoon. The South African went
into the third round seven shots off the lead, but as others struggled in breezy conditions at Muthaiga Golf Club, Kruyswijk carded seven birdies to take a one-shot lead going
into day four.
Kruyswijk, who will be searching for his maiden DP World Tour title on Sunday, could have been even farther ahead had Lady Luck smiled on him. He was twice denied on the front nine: first,
his long eagle putt at the 4th looked destined for the hole, but it stopped just short and remained above ground. Then, on the 9th, his chip lipped out to deny him another birdie. Nevertheless,
he brushed off any feelings of injustice to make five birdies on the back nine, including closing gains on the 17th and 18th, to reach 14 under par.
Halfway leader John Parry was alone in second at 13 under after finishing his round with a birdie. Although the Englishman had led by as many as three shots on the front nine, he was reeled back by the impressive Kruyswijk. Frenchman Benjamin Hebert sat third at 11 under after his round of 73, with South African Deon Germishuys fourth at 10 under after shooting 67.
Kruyswijk opened his round with three pars before gaining his first birdie at the 4th from tap-in range after his lengthy eagle attempt had stopped just short. The 32-year-old picked up more shots at the 8th, 10th, and 12th before rolling his approach at the 15th to just a few feet and sinking the birdie putt, inching within one shot of the lead.
A four-foot birdie at the 17th earned Kruyswijk the share of the lead at 13 under and, following Parry’s bogey on the 16th, he sat alone atop the leaderboard. He finished the day with panache, holing his tricky 15-foot birdie putt on the last for the lowest round of the day by two shots.
“It was super breezy out there today, but I played a really good game plan around this golf course. I wasn’t over-aggressive,” said Kruyswijk. "I rolled a couple in, which is great, it’s always nice, but I just played super consistent; my mindset has been really good all week. Whatever happens tomorrow is going to happen, but I’m ready.”
When reflecting on his potential victory, he added: “It would be special. I don’t want to get emotional, but I’m going to stay very focused tonight, and if I can bring this home for South Africa, it’d be huge for me.”
The back nine of the Magical Kenya Open is particularly competitive, with Kruyswijk leading the pack comprised of fellow South Africans Jacques Kruyswijk and Deon Germishuys, as well as England's John Parry. While Parry boasts two DP World Tour wins, the South African duo have yet to taste victory on this level, making the stakes high for all players.
The eventual champion will earn over $400,000 from the tournament’s $2.5 million prize pool, ensuring plenty remains on the table as they approach the finish line. Updates on the leaderboard following the completion of earlier tee times showed several players carding impressive rounds, including two golfers achieving seven-under rounds of 64. On the flip side, many have struggled, leading to scores reflecting high 70s amid the fierce competition.
Reports indicate Kruyswijk was solidly positioned as the event reached its thrilling climax. With three holes to play, he led by three strokes. Despite the pressure, he executed with precision, taking no unnecessary risks. The atmosphere was electric as Kruyswijk's tee shot onto the 18th green positioned him beautifully for potential victory.
"How your luck turns"—Kruyswijk demonstrated composure under pressure with his iron shots skilled across the challenging course. Vacuuming up birdies where the opportunity presented, he confidently responded to challenges on the course, even as Parry pressed him to deliver strong performances down the final holes.
Following the ups and downs of golf, tension was palpable. Kruyswijk had to navigate tricky shots and maintain focus even as Parry chased him with determination. Both players remained engaged with their game strategies, aware any mistake could impact the title race.
Heading toward the final stretch of this prestigious tournament, each player recognized the stakes: self-discipline, precision, and perhaps just a bit of luck could determine who lifts the coveted trophy at the Magical Kenya Open. Fans, golfers, and commentators alike eagerly awaited what Sunday could hold for Kruyswijk and his fellow competitors.