Talented Danish 25-year-old Thorbjorn Olesen on Saturday edged closer toward a third European Tour victory after a third round of seven-under 65 left him three shots clear at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Olesen shook off a bogey at the par-four opening hole at St Andrews before reeling off eight birdies in a third straight round in the 60s. Olesen finished in a tie for sixth at the 2013 US Masters, and tied for 12th at the 2012 British Open — his best results at a major tournament.
Germany’s Florian Fritshch, looking for his maiden EPGA victory, was Olesen’s closest pursuer and alone in second spot on 14-under following a bogey-free round at Kingsbarns that included an eagle, at the par-five third, and six birdies in a round of 64.
“It was a great day. I started off badly by hitting it in the water on the first, but I got over it and played some good golf out there,” Olesen said.
“I have been finding my way, just practicing hard and just hoping for it to come along at some point,” he added.
Frenchman Benjamin Hebert held down third place after 54 holes and was 13-under thanks to six birdies against just one bogey at Carnoustie.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat was a further shot back after carding eight birdies and two bogeys at St Andrews.
The 26-year-old from Bangkok recently won the Paul Lawrie Matchplay for his second EPGA title and sixth professional victory. Joakim Lagergren of Sweden was also five strokes behind Olesen as he carded the lowest round of the day with a 62, while Welshman Bradley Dredge and American Chris Stroud were also in a four-man group on 12-under.
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