Sweden’s Alex Noren birdied his last hole in a round of 69 for a nine under par total to lead by one but it’s a pair of ‘Down Under’ golfers who have the inspiration to finish on top in the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea.
After two days of poor weather delays the $2.87m co-sanctioned European and Asian Tour event got back on track on day three despite the cold and windy conditions greeting competitors on the Blackstone Course at Icheon.
Noren, 34 is seeking his fourth European Tour win and a first victory since winning twice in 2011.
“I made a lot of par putts and also the putt at the last for birdie and that’s always very important,” said the Swede.
“The tough thing here is to judge the wind on the second shots, so it’s been tricky for the mind and I’m exhausted right now.
“I haven’t been in the lead for a long time, and I’ve had some good finishes, but it will be a lot of fun.”
Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal birdied the last hole for a third day running for a 68 as the Barcelona golf seeks to capture a third European Tour success a fortnight before his 30th birthday.
“I hit the ball beautiful today and from the tee I was very solid, and the irons were very good and to have six birdies, I am very happy,” said Larrazabal.
“So I am happy to be in the fight again. It will good to play in the final group tomorrow as it’s been a long time
Also in second place is Scotland’s Peter Whiteford and the only player among the leading five not to have won. Whiteford, who posted a 69 will be looking for his maiden Tour victory at his 143rd appearance since he made his Tour debut in 2005.
Two Australians, Brett Rumford and former Ballantine’s champion, Marcus Fraser both signed for 69s to be in fourth place and just two shots back at seven under par.
Unlike the PGA Tour where Australian-born golfers been winning regularly, including Adam Scott becoming the first Australian to win the Masters, it’s been a lean two years since an Australian won on the European Tour.
Rumford ended his round in spectacular manner with five straight birdies and just needing 25 putts as the Perth-born player looks to win for a first occasion in more than five years.
“It was great to birdie the last five holes and I’ve got some fellow Australians up on the leader board and that’s adding inspiration,” said Rumford.
“And with Adam Scott’s win at the Masters, it seems to have inspired us all.”
Fraser let slip a share of the lead with a bogey at the last after landing on a cart path and seeing his ball roll 100-yards further away from the hole but the 34-year old is no stranger to victory in Seoul having captured the 2010 Ballantine’s Championship.
“I played great today and holed out really well to say par but it was a pretty ordinary shot at the last win to finish but there is a not more good out there than bad,” said Fraser.
“And Australian golf is flying high at the moment and there’s one person to thank for that, Mr. Scott and that was just an unbelievable week for him and to be the first Australian to win the Masters was something he deserved.
“There is a lot of guys out here this week inspired by what Adam’s done and it’s also inspired a lot of people back home, and that’s for sure.”
