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 wentinto the third round seven shots off the lead, but as others struggled with breezy conditions at Muthaiga Golf Club, Kruyswijk recorded seven birdies for the lowest score of the day, positioning himself one shot clear goinginto the final day.
Kruyswijk, who is seeking his maiden DP World Tour title, seemed poised to extend his lead even more. He experienced narrow misses on the front nine when he was denied on two occasions—a long eagle putt on the 4th hole stopped just short of the cup, and his chip on the 9th lipped out. Despite these frustrations, he refocused and excelled on the back nine, making five birdies, including closing gains on the 17th and 18th holes to finish at 14 under par.
John Parry, the Halfway leader, stood alone in second place at 13 under after wrapping up his round with a birdie, having led by three shots at various points. Frenchman Benjamin Hebert sat third at 11 under, followed by South African Deon Germishuys, who shot 67 to finish at 10 under. The competition was fierce, but Kruyswijk’s clinical and consistent play stood out.
During the round, Kruyswijk began with three successive pars before finally breaking through for his first birdie at the 4th hole, handling his earlier disappointment well. “It was super breezy out there today but I played a really good game plan around this golf course. I rolled a couple in, which is great, it's always nice, but I just played super consistent and my mindset's been really good all week,” Kruyswijk reflected on his performance.
With his exceptional form, Kruyswijk aims to secure his position on the leaderboard against the challenges the sport presents. He acknowledged, “Whatever happens tomorrow is going to happen, but I’m ready.” There’s heightened anticipation as he prepares to take on the competition for the title.
Kruyswijk remarked on the prospect of winning, stating, “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.” His aspirations resonate deeply with fellow players and fans, who admire not only his skill but the spirit of determination and pride he carries.
Moving day at Muthaiga Golf Club saw yet another layer of excitement with local amateurs, Kevin Anyien Mogusu and Kanana Muthomi, notable for their impressive performance against professional competitors, particularly on the 13th hole. Their triumph sparked jubilation among fans, showcasing the local talent and their ability to challenge the established pros.
Meanwhile, Zihao Jin faced unique challenges on the 14th hole when he had to navigate through rough fringe grass to set himself up for par, illustrating the diverse hurdles players encounter throughout the tournament.
With the final round approaching, the stakes are high for all competitors, particularly for Kruyswijk, who is experiencing the thrill of leading the pack. The outcome remains uncertain as other players look to mount strong comebacks.
Set against the backdrop of Muthaiga Golf Club, the Magical Kenya Open continues to showcase not just individual brilliance, but also the charm of competitive golf, where both dream and reality blend on the greens. The excitement encapsulates the essence of the tournament with stories of triumph and determination echoing throughout the event.
The DP World Tour events have consistently provided thrilling sportsmanship and competitive fervor, and this year is no exception as fans eagerly await the conclusion of another riveting round of golf.