(North Berwick) Ludvig Aberg shrugged off two bogeys early on his back nine, sinking three late birdies to card a 5-under 65 on Saturday at the Scottish Open, and dampened the enthusiasm of the crowd behind local favourite Robert MacIntyre.
“It wasn’t the smoothest round, but it was still a good score,” Aberg said. “I’m happy with how I hung in there to finish.”
The fourth round promises to be rich in opportunities for most golfers ahead of the British Open, starting with MacIntyre.
Scotland’s top player, who already won the Canadian Open this year, built a two-shot lead at one point that had the crowd chanting his name. He bogeyed the final hole and shot 63. He will be in the last group to play on Sunday.
“I’ve made no bones about it: the Scottish Open is the one I want,” MacIntyre said. “That’s not going to change. [dimanche]. I’m in that position. I’ve done some good things. I’ve played well, not just this week, but over the last eight weeks, I feel like my game is good right now.
” [Dimanche]I just have to control myself. If I do that, then I’ll have a chance.”
MacIntyre thought he could win last year until Rory McIlroy birdied the final hole. Now he’s back, trying to block out the hype and cheers, knowing what a victory would mean.
“All I can do is hit the golf ball the best I can and accept the result,” MacIntyre said.
To win, MacIntyre will have to overtake Aberg, whose swings are perfect. The Swede is at 193 (minus-17), two shots ahead of MacIntyre. He is looking for his first title this season and a third of his career.
Adam Scott (64), who played with MacIntyre, is three shots off the lead. Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala both shot 66s and are four shots behind.
Corey Conners (68) is the best Canadian in 11e place, at 200 (minus-10). His compatriot Mackenzie Hughes (69) is one shot behind. Adam Hadwin (68) shows a cumulative of 202 (minus-8) and Nick Taylor (69) of 205 (minus-5).