Southern Guards within striking distance ahead of final day at LIV Golf Singapore

South African Dean Burmester plays a shot from a greenside bunker during the third round of LIV Golf Singapore. Burmester and his Southern Guards teammates are only four shots off the lead heading into the final round on Sunday. TheSouthern Guardsremain firmly in contention heading into thefinal round of LIV Golf Singapore, with the South African side just four shots off the lead after an encouraging showing on Saturday.

A fighting round fromDean Burmesterproved crucial in keeping the team within touching distance of the leaders at Sentosa Golf Club, where windy conditions tested the field throughout the third round. Burmester produced a composed four-under-par round to climb into a tie for 14th place after struggling to find his rhythm during the opening two days. His resurgence provided the momentum the Southern Guards needed on moving day.

Team captainLouis Oosthuizen, who had delivered two excellent roundsearlier in the week, endured a more difficult outing. Oosthuizen finished the day in a tie for seventh with six other players at two-over-par after a late stumble that included consecutive bogeys on holes 15 and 16. The South African had looked steady for much of the round after picking up a pair of birdies, but could not maintain that momentum through the closing stretch.

[paywall]

Despite the setback, the Southern Guards still find themselves well-positioned to challenge for the team title on Sunday. Branden Grace contributed with a solid one-under-par round, while Charl Schwartzel finished the day at even par to keep the team firmly in the hunt. They will be chasing leaders 4Aces GC (-14), and Ripper GC and Legion XIII, who are tied in second on -12.

Oosthuizen, who will have his sights set on leaders Lee Westwood and Joaquin Niemann (both on -14), will play with Burmester in the final round, and the duo will hope to feed off each other’s energy as they attempt to close the gap on the leaders. A strong finish in Singapore would provide a timely boost for the Southern Guards ahead of the upcoming LIV Golf South Africa tournament, set to take place at Steyn City Golf Club in Johannesburg next week.

[/paywall]