Oosthuizen hits the front in South African Open
Jonny Caldwell

Jonny Caldwell

Defending champion Louis Oosthuizen fired a seven-under 64 to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the South African Open hosted by the City of Johannesburg.

The 2010 Open champion made seven birdies in a bogey-free effort in the Firethorn Course at Randpark Golf Club to lead on 15-under par from England’s Marcus Armitage (32), who made two eagles in a nine-under 62.

Scores

South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers lies alone in third on 13-under after a 68 while Ireland’s Gavin Moynihan and Jonathan Caldwell are tied for 45th on five-under.

Caldwell made three birdies and two bogeys in a one-under 70 while Moynihan made four birdies and two bogeys to get to seven-under before running up a double-bogey five at the 17th that forced him to sign for a level-par 71.

Armitage, Ahlers and Andy Sullivan are currently the three players in position to claim a place in The Open at Royal St George’s.

South African amateur Jayden Trey Schaper (18) is also in the mix, tied for fourth just three shots off the lead after a third-round 69.