Home favourite Lawrence in control at Joburg Open

The South African carded four birdies and a bogey to get to 15 under.

South Africa's Thriston Lawrence.

Home favourite Thriston Lawrence will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Joburg Open after firing a workmanlike 67 on day three at Houghton Golf Club.

The 26-year-old started the week with a brilliant 62 and while he did not match that quality in round three, he carded the lowest score of anyone in an all-South African top six to lead the way from Dean Burmester.