Schaper and Van Velzen lead South African Open Championship as home players dominate

JOHANNESBURG — Home players took over the South African Open Championship in the third round Saturday as Jayden Schaper and Ryan van Velzen claimed a share of the lead and Dean Burmester moved into contention to win on back-to-back weeks on the European tour.

Schaper shot 5-under 67 and Van Velzen had a 70 to finish a stroke clear of compatriot Louis De Jager (70) on a stifling day in Johannesburg.

Burmester, who won the Joburg Open last week, shot 65 — the low round of the day by two strokes — and was in a six-way tie for fourth place that included overnight leader Jesper Svensson (74).

Neither the No. 445-ranked Schaper, No. 644 Van Velzen nor No. 256 De Jager have a European tour title to their name.

At No. 85, Thriston Lawrence of South Africa is the only player in the top 100 of the rankings and he was tied for 41st — eight shots back — after a 74.

The tournament is the second of three straight events in South Africa to open the 2024 season on the European tour.