S. African golfer Coetzee makes move at Wentworth

WENTWORTH (AFP) –

A golfer plays an approach shot to the 1st green during the third round of the PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey. South African George Coetzee was the best of the early starters as the final round of the PGA Championship got under way at Wentworth.

South African George Coetzee was the best of the early starters as the final round of the PGA Championship got under way here at Wentworth on Sunday.

The 25-year old got to the turn in 32, three-under par, and after 12 holes was five-under for the day and level par for the tournament.

In the process Coetzee leapt 25 places up the leader board, but he was still 11 shots behind the leader and defending champion Luke Donald.

Another South African, the former Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel was also on the move as he was out in 33 and also level par for the week.

None of the early finishers could make significant progress with many having their hopes of contending wrecked by high scores on the third day.

Ben Curtis from the United States was round in 72, nine shots better than his effort on Saturday and playing partner James Kingston, who shot a disastrous 85 in the third round, finished his tournament with a 71.

England’s Chris Wood had the best round of those in the clubhouse with a four-under par 68 moving him to four-over par.

Donald was due out at 1240GMT with fellow Englishman Justin Rose who was two strokes behind on nine-under par.

Donald will reclaim his number one world ranking from Rory McIlroy if he finishes in the top eight of this, the European Tour’s most prestigious event.

In front of them are Ernie Els (-5), one of three South Africans in the top eight, who has helped remodel the course but was highly critical of the green staff on Saturday for not watering the putting surfaces enough and making approach shots on some holes too tricky.

English golfer Luke Donald plays out of a bunker at the 15th green during the third round of the PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey. South African George Coetzee was the best of the early starters as the final round of the PGA Championship got under way at Wentworth.

Els was out with Peter Lawrie (-7) who led after the first round.

Further back in the field 1999 British Open winner Paul Lawrie of Scotland was five-under whilst world number three Lee Westwood (-1) needed the leaders to falter if he was to have any hope of getting into contention.

Thirty six-hole leader James Morrison, who imploded with an 81 on Saturday, was eight shots back from Donald.