GWANGJU, Korea (10 July 2015) – Gauteng North’s Andrew van der Knaap saved his best effort for the hottest day at this year’s Summer Universiade in Gwangju, Korea.

After signing for non-counting rounds of 78 and 76 in his debut at the World Student Games, the Centurion golfer pulled out all the stops in the third round.

With the mercury at 33 degrees Celsius and humidity at 86%, Van der Knaap carded a cool one-over-par 73 to lead the South African challenge in the Men’s Golf Competition at Naju Gold Lake Country Club on Friday.

Teaghan Gauche returned a 74 to give South Africa a third round total of 147, while Jason Smith signed for a non-counting 76.

“Andrew has been solid great from tee to green and today was no different,” said TuksGolf Club & Academies head coach Llewellyn van Leeuwen.

“He knocked in a birdie putt at the fifth, but made soft bogeys on eight and nine to turn one over. He had two more birdies down the back nine, but erased them with a double at 14 where his only bad shot of the day ended out of bounds.

“He was nervous in the first round, but has improved every day. If he can get the putts to drop, he could post a very low one in the final round.

“All three players are striking the ball very well, but we are not scoring like we should. The scores may not reflect it, but they are extremely proud to represent South Africa and they are giving it everything they’ve got.

“We could see the disappointment when they walked off the course. The conditions were extremely hot and humid and we are in for another scorcher on Saturday.

“Hopefully everyone’s putters will catch fire. Pride and honour will motivate them tomorrow.”

Thai amateur Natipong Srithong kept the lead in the Individual Competition with another low round of the day. Srithong’s 66 and a 69 from team-mate Kammals Namuangruk lifted Thailand back in pole position on 416.

They lead by three from Japan and Korea, while South Africa ranks 10^th in the 20-team field on 441.

TEAMS LEADERBOARD – TOP 10

416 Thailand 136 145 135

419 Japan 142 139 138; Republic of Korea 140 136 143

420 France 143 137 140

430 Ireland 142 142 146

431 Great Britain 139 152 140

432 Canada 146 142 144

434 Chinese Taipei 146 144 144

435 Switzerland 147 148 140

441 South Africa 144 150 147

Click here for the score sheet

Ends

For more news from the 2015 Summer Universiade, please visit the official website at http://www.gwangju2015.com/ or view the South African progress at http://www.sascoc.co.za

Follow live updates, results and photos on Facebook - 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade

For more information, contact:

Gerhard Conradie (SAGA President) Email: [email protected] or Cell: 082 374 3454

Written and released by Lali Stander on behalf of the South African Golf Association.

Lali Stander

The Write Word Sports Media Consultants

TEL: +27 82 990 7150

EMAIL: [email protected]