(Gleneagles) Northern Irishman Darren Clarke staggered in his quest for a first senior major title, and England’s Paul Broadhurst took the opportunity to catch him atop the standings after the third round of the ‘Senior British Golf Open, Saturday in Gleneagles, Scotland.
Updated yesterday at 5:53 p.m.
In fact, Clarke needed a birdie on the final hole to get level with Broadhurst, who posted a four-under-par 66 on Saturday. Holding a two-stroke lead after the second round, Clarke finished the day with a score of 69.
After 54 holes, Broadhurst and Clarke have combined scores of 201, nine strokes under par.
“I went on the pitch and I played well all day. I gave myself chance after chance. I made some good putts,” Clarke said.
“I hit 17 greens in shots prescribed to lead the tournament and played superbly. At least one (rolled) decided to fall in the cup at the last (hole),” he added.
Clarke lost strokes to 12e and 13e holes, but pulled himself together to stay in contention for another trophy after winning the British Open’s Silver Jug in 2011.
“It would be pretty cool to have the two trophies next to each other,” admitted Clarke.
However, Clarke and Broadhurst won’t have it easy on Sunday as New Zealand’s Steven Alker (66) and American Jerry Kelly (67) — two former major tournament champions on the senior circuit — share third place, one shot from the co-leaders.
Five golfers follow within three shots of the lead, including Scotsman Colin Montgomerie (68), South African Ernie Els (69) and Irishman Padraig Harrington (69).
“You just have to look at the leader board and some big names directly behind me,” Broadhurst remarked.
“I have no illusions. I’m going to have to go out on the course and put up a whole score tomorrow. »
Canadians David Morland IV (69) and Stephen Ames (74) are part of a group of nine golfers with overall records of 209, one under par, after the first three rounds.