Donaldson Keeps Pressure on at Nedbank Golf Challenge


Welshman Jamie Donaldson continued his fine play in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, a 30-player European Tour event at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa.

The 38-year-old followed up a 67 and 66 with another 67 to reach 16-under 200, three strokes ahead of Denmark's Thomas Bjorn (66) and American Ryan Moore (67).

Donaldson is happy with his play so far in the event, which features several major winners. "This is one of the best fields in the world and a three-shot lead doesn't mean much," said Donaldson, who won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January. "I'm looking forward to the final round.

"It was hard work out there, even when you are playing well. You can't sit back for a minute, because every hole is difficult. It's very important to stay in the present and keep hitting good shots.

"I'll play as aggressively as I can and take on all the shots that I would if it was the first day. I have to go out there and play aggressive golf where I can," added the two-time European Tour winner, who on Saturday carded six birdies and only his second bogey of the tournament.

"It would be very special to win. It's a great golf course and a great country. I've won twice on the European Tour so far, but every win is special. This would just be a little more special."

Bjorn is hoping to put pressure on the leader in the final round. "If you can shoot 66 or 67 (on Sunday) you give yourself a chance and then it's up to other people. You have to try and be as patient as I have been these three days," said the 42-year-old, who has 14 European Tour titles.

"I have stuck to my game plan and it has worked out well and if I can do that tomorrow hopefully it can add some pressure and you can be there right at the end. To chase somebody down on this golf course is just going to get you into trouble so just play sensible golf and try to make a putt here and there."

Five strokes behind Donaldson are Spain's Sergio Garcia and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, who both fired 66s, and reigning Race to Dubai winner, Henrik Stenson. The Swede carded a 69 to stay within reach of the leader.

Zimbabwe's Brendon De Jonge also had a 69 and is at 207, while another stroke back are American D.A. Points (70) and South African, Darren Fichardt, who had a 69.

2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose (69), American Peter Uihlein (70) and South Africa's Charl Schwartzel - the winner of last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship, who had a 71 - are tied for 10th at 7-under 209.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2013096/leaderboard/index.html.