Little-known South African Thomas Aiken fired a course record 61 as he stormed to the top of the leaderboard at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Saturday. The 25-year-old made his mark in round two with a seven-under-par 65, before his sensational performance on day three moved him to 18-under overall.
That left him one shot clear of overnight leaders Len Mattiace — the American managing to cut the deficit with an eagle at the par-five 18th for a round of 66 - and England's Robert Rock, who shot a 69.
Three other players were also locked on 14-under-par overall including Richard Sterne, Oskar Henningsson and David Lynn.
Gareth Maybin carded a 66 to move alongside Damien McGrane on nine-under while Jonathan Caldwell is two back on seven-under.
But the day belonged to Aiken, who broke the previous best score at the Leopard Creek Golf Club set in 2003 when reigning US Masters champion Trevor Immelman shot a 63 at the Tour Championship.
The Johannesburg-golfer fired eight birdies in his opening 13 holes, before he holed a 35-foot putt for birdie on the par-four 17th and followed that up by chipping in for eagle on the par-five 18th.
"It was a fantastic day today," he said. "I had a great day yesterday and just came out here today trying to follow that 65 up and try to keep among the pack of the leaders.
"You know, it's this funny old game called golf. You know, you just plod along and all of a sudden, things start to happen and you get the ball rolling, sink a few putts and next thing you know you hit 11-under-par."
