Byrd, Oostheuizen Lead Tournaments

The two main tournaments this week in professional golf are the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, HI and the Africa Open at East London Golf Club. Both tournaments seem to be offering players supreme playing conditions, and scores (especially at the Africa Open) are reflecting this fact.

Louis Oosthuizen - who is defending his 2011 win from last season - is currently tied for the lead with Tjaart Van der Walt at 21-under par after three rounds of the Open.

King Louis was the lone leader heading into the third round, however three straight birdies by Van der Walt on the first three holes brought him into contention for the title very quickly. Former major champion Retief Goosen is also in the mix at 20-under, a mere shot behind the leaders. Goosen had previously birdied seven of his first 13 holes in round three, bringing him into his current position on the leaderboard.

Across the globe in Hawaii, another defending tournament champion is playing extremely well early on at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Jonathan Byrd - who won this tournament last season - shot a 6-under round of 67 at the Plantation Course at lovely Kapalua Resort.

The 33-year old putted extremely well throughout the day, sinking monster birdie putts from 28, 26 and 30 feet at the sixth, seventh and eighth to reach the turn in five-under 31. Fellow Americans Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson and Michael Bradley are hot on Byrd's heels, however, currently locked in a three-way tie for second at 5-under par. Second round play resumes this afternoon.