Golding began the day seven shots behind Clark

South Africa's Jean Hugo shot a seven-under-par 65 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead after the third round of the South African Open.

Defending champion Tim Clark squandered a four-stroke lead when he dropped four shots at a disastrous par-five 16th.

Clark carded a 71 to finish the day tied for second with England's Phil Golding, who shot a 64 to tie the course record with South African duo Ian Hutchings and Tjaart van der Walt.

"I thought today I would just get close to Tim," said Hugo, who is 12 under overall.

"I am very pleased with my game today. It wasn't easy out there."

Hugo failed to retain his European Tour card last year and has been relegated to the Challenge Tour, where he will have to finish in the top 15 to reclaim his full tour privileges.

A win at Erinvale on Sunday would give him a two-year exemption on the full tour next year.

R3 LEADERBOARD

-12 Jean Hugo -11 Phil Golding, Tim Clark -9 Ian Hutchings, Trevor Immelman, Justin Rose, Brian Davis, Rolf Muntz -8 David Howell, Bradford Vaughan, Bobby Lincoln

Collated scores

"In about 24 hours, my life can change," Hugo said.

"My goal coming here this week was to win. But even the guys at five under can still win this."

The 40-year-old Golding also lost his card last year and made a record 16th trip to the tour qualifying school in November.

Justin Rose also moved into contention with a five-under-par 66. The South-African born Englishman is only three shots behind Hugo.