Hennie Otto set a new course record at the Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate on what is likely to be his final day as the reigning SA Open Champion.

The 2011 victor had failed to replicate last season’s title winning form this time out as he barely made the cut before dropping a shot on four successive holes in yesterday’s 75.

But the South African produced a scintillating 62 this morning, bettering fellow countryman George Coetzee’s 63 yesterday, to ensure he finished on eight under par for the tournament.

Charl Schwartzel, who took the green jacket at the 2011 Masters Tournament, also recovered well from a disappointing third round with a positive start to his last 18.

Schwartzel, competing in his 11th national championship, recorded two double-bogeys yesterday but three birdies in the first six holes left him sitting in a tie for fifth.

Henrik Stenson led the field after the penultimate round from Swedish compatriot Magnus Carlsson and Coetzee.