Francesco Molinari is heading to next week’s British Open in the best possible form after continuing to lead the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart course near Inverness.
Molinari added a five-under-par 67 in continuing calm conditions and move to 17-under and one clear of his rivals.
Less than a week ago, last year’s victorious Ryder Cup-winning star shot a blistering final-round 64 to snare second place in the French Open in Versailles.
Now the 29-year-old, London-based Italian is set to go one better and join his older brother, Edoardo as winner of the premier Scottish title.
“It was another good day and a 67 is a good score,” Molinari said.
“Before I went out today I noticed some of the guys out this morning had gone very low, so I feel as though tomorrow is going to be the same. So I will have to start again from scratch and just try and play my best,” he added.
Molinari earlier this year captured his third Tour victory in winning the Spanish Open.
Denmark’s Anders Hansen carded a seven-under-par 65 to move into second place on 16-under, one clear of compatriot Soren Kjeldsen and Scotland’s Marc Warren, who were among three players to post 64s.
Kjeldsen’s round included four opening birdies, while playing partner Warren capped his round by driving the front of the green at the shortened par-four 16th and then holed an 80-foot eagle putt.
Four-time Major-winning Phil Mickelson continues to improve heading to next week’s British Open, with the visiting American adding a 65 to share fifth place with three others on 14-under.
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