CLARKE IN THE MIX
DARREN CLARKE is perfectly poised to mount a final-day challenge on the Senior Open in Sunningdale today after positioning himself just three shots off the lead after three rounds.
Although yesterday’s 70 was not as eye-catching as his 67 on Friday or especially his super opening round 65 on Thursday, the 2011 Open champion ended the day on eight under, just three behind leader Stephen Dodd of Wales.
The Dungannon man opened in scintillating fashion with two birdies in the first three holes but could only manage one more birdie, on 12, while dropping a shot on the fifth and, most frustratingly, two shots on the par-four 17th.
Dodd was in sensational form, recording an eight-under par round of 62, leaving him on 11 under, two ahead of American Jerry Kelly, who posted a solid 68.
There are some big names nestling just behind Clarke, with Miguel Angel Jimenez and Bernard Langer both on seven under and Erni Els a shot back on six under par.
Meanwhile, Jeongeun Lee will take a five-shot lead into the final round of the Amundi Evian Championship in France, the fourth major of the women’s golf season, after shooting a three-under par 68 to finish on 18 under yesterday.
The South Korean, who took control of the tournament with a scintillating 61 on Friday, carded four birdies and an eagle in her third round as she extended her threeshot overnight advantage.
American teenager Yealimi Noh birdied the final three holes to move into second place on 13 under with a four-under-par 67 while New Zealand’s Lydia Ko was third on 12 under after a 68.
Minjee Lee holed eight birdies, including five on the back nine, to move into a three-way tie for fourth on 11 under alongside Ayaka Furue and Pajaree Anannarukarn.
Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, who had been joint second at the halfway stage, fell back to seventh and 10 under with a one-over-par 73.
Ireland’s Leona Maguire is well off the pace on three under after a third-round 71 with compatriot Stephanie Meadow two shots back after her 73.
England’s Charley Hull shot 66 to move up to joint eighth with two other players on nine under heading into today’s final round.
CARLOW GC stages its first Pro-Am since 2008 on the August Bank Holiday on Monday week. Ireland’s leading club professionals, including Carlow’s reigning Irish PGA champion Damien McGrane, will play for €10,000 prize money. The cost for amateur teams is €330 for a morning tee time, and €375 in the afternoon. The entrance fee includes a post-round meal and prizes. Contact Carlow GC at 053 9231695 for details.