Kaymer Goes Up in Nedbank Golf Challenge


Martin Kaymer posted a 2-under 70 to take the 54-hole lead in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. The $1 million, 12-man event is taking place at the very difficult Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa.

Kaymer, the 2010 PGA champion from Germany who will be devoting his energies next year to the PGA Tour, posted three birdies and a bogey Saturday to reach 5-under 211, one stroke ahead of Louis Oosthuizen and two in front of Charl Schwartzel. These two major champions from South Africa shot 69 and 70, respectively.

Bill Haas (71) and defending champion Lee Westwood (70) share fourth at 214, and another stroke back after a 75 is 36-hole leader, Paul Lawrie. Sweden's Peter Hanson posted a 73 and is now at 2-over 218.

The players are having a difficult time scoring at the host venue. "You cannot play too aggressive at certain holes," Kaymer said. "And even if it is only a level-par round, it is still a good score. If you hit fairways here you have chances and that is my goal."

Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, seconded Kaymer's comments. "All in all, the golf course is getting the better of everyone."

Tied for eighth at 5-over 221 are Francesco Molinari (78), Carl Pettersson (74) and Justin Rose, who tied Oosthuizen for Saturday's low round, a 3-under 69. Nicolas Colsaerts (74) is at 6-over 222, with South Africa's Garth Mulroy (75) bringing up the rear at 7-over 223.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.nedbankgolfchallenge.com/leaderboard.aspx.