Richie Ramsay One Round Away From India Open Victory Takeaway.

12 years ago by Comments Off on Richie Ramsay One Round Away From India Open Victory Takeaway.

Newly-married Scot Richie Ramsay is just one round away from a Hero India Open victory takeaway.

Three weeks after being married in Wisconsin, Ramsay heads into the final round of the premier India event with a narrow one-stroke lead as he returned a 1-under 70 in the third round for an 11-under tally.

Richie Ramsay on route to leading by a shot on day three of the Hero India Open. (Photo – www.asiantour.com)

The reigning Omega European Masters champion rattled off three birdies but also dropped two shots to be clear of Jakko Makitalo of Finland who signed for third day 68.

The Thai pair of Panuphol Pittayarat and Thaworn Wiratchant along with James Morrison of England were joint third on 204.

Seven players were within three strokes of Ramsay, who has held the lead since the first round.

However Ramsay, despite his surprise in leading, is unconcerned and quitely confident of capturing a third pro career victory.

“I am surprised to be leading in a tournament with the way I putted because if I can putt better, then I think there’s a better score out there,” he said.

“There were a few scattered showers but the course is in good condition again. It was playing slightly tougher with the wind direction. It is not an easy golf course because you have to keep the ball out of the short stuff. It all comes back to the putting. If I can make some putts tomorrow then I’ll have a good chance.
“It was a case of close but not close enough today.
“But then it is always nice to be in the lead. I’m comfortable here.
“I’ll try to go out and play like how I did in the first two days. There are a lot of guys up there on the leaderboard. The goal at the start of the week is to be in contention on the back nine.
“I play good under pressure. That’s what I thrive on.
“I don’t have a particular number in mind. I just want to play my own game. If I play well, I can pose a number that people are going to chase me. I can only control what I can do. If they are making lots of birdies, I won’t worry about that. I’ll just do my game plan.
“I just try to play each shot as it comes. If I don’t allow myself to try too hard then the birdies will come. If I focus on each shot, then I will hit good shots.”
Makitalo said he was looking forward to the challenge of starting the final round within one shot of the lead.

”It is always nice to have people and the television crew following me. You don’t get mad and do stupid things. The only way I can ruin my game is if I lose focus, get mad and do stupid errors. I think that’s how golf is supposed to be played, with the crowd behind you,” he said.

Wiratchant, a former champion here, added that he was happy with his 4-under 67 that kept him in contention.

”Everything in my game clicked,” the 2005 Indian Open winner said. ”I’ve been hitting it quite good and making the putts. It was a solid round out there. I’ve been consistent this year and it is the same this week.”

Wiratchant also praised the course, which is hosting the tournament for the first time.

”On this golf course, you must hit it on the fairway to score. If you can do that, you will play well. I’ve played in India for many years and this is probably the best course I’ve played on. I want to win again but I can’t control what the others shoot,” he said.



Comments are closed.