And although Retief Goosen had leapt to the top of the leaderboard by picking up three shots early on, Westwood remained very much in the frame.

But then came disaster for the Worksop golfer who found trouble on the long par-four eighth and Westwood, who had been trailing Goosen by just one shot, fell four off the pace and into a tie for second with American Jim Furyk on three under.

Goosen made a flying start to the day at the Sun City event, with an early burst of birdies nudging him in front of Westwood.

The South African delighted his home supporters by picking up shots at th second, sixth and seventh holes to move to seven under.

Westwood had started the day on five under par for the tournament, which put him one clear of Goosen and two in front of Australian Stuart Appleby, and he looked to have the measure of the testing Gary Player Country Club course until the eighth hole.

Playing partner Goosen was putting superbly, and at three under for his round and seven under for the tournament after eight holes, he was in the ascendancy approaching the turn.

His four-shot lead was commanding, with Westwood needing to up his game and hope Goosen slackened off over the closing holes.

Fourth place was shared by Appleby and American Chris DiMarco, both on two under.

Nick Price was sixth on one under and Ernie Els a further shot back, while Sergio Garcia’s miserable week continued.

The Spaniard stood last of all in the 12-player field, on 12 over par.