Immelman poised to emulate idol at Augusta

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Long regarded as heir apparent to Ernie Els and Retief Goosen as South Africa's top player, Trevor Immelman was thrilled to close in on his first major title at the U.S. Masters on Saturday.

The 28-year-old kept his composure to stretch his overnight lead to two shots in the third round at Augusta National and is poised to follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol Gary Player.

One of the greatest golfers of all time, South African Player clinched the last of his three green jackets at the 1978 Masters.

"It's very exciting," Immelman told reporters after firing a three-under-par 69 for an 11-under total of 205.

"Gary has won this tournament three times and Ernie and Goose have come close so many times, and Tim Clark has come close and Rory (Sabbatini) came close last year."

South Africans have finished second at Augusta National five times in the last eight years.

"There's a few guys that have had a shot," Immelman added. "I count myself fortunate to be in this position and I'm just going to go and give it my best shot tomorrow."

One stroke clear at the tournament's halfway point, the three-times European Tour winner birdied three of the last five holes in damp conditions at Augusta to double his lead.