Former Scottish Stroke-Play champ Romain Wattel is one round away from the double delight of an Irish Open victory and a place in next month’s Open Championship.
Wattel, 23 posted a third round 70 in continuing superb scoring conditions to be trailing just two shots behind ‘Flying Finn’ Mikko Ilonen who lipped out for eagle at the last to remain in front by a shot with a score of 69 for a 12-under par Fota Island total.
England’s Danny Willett lowered Ilonen’s course record set on Thursday by a shot with an eight under par 63 that included an ace at the seventh hole.
Romain Wattel (FRA) plays his 2nd shot from the trees on the 18th hole during Saturday’s Round 3 of the 2014 Irish Open held at Fota Island Resort, Cork, Ireland. 21st June 2014.
Picture: Eoin Clarke www.golffile.ie
It was Willett’s second hole-in-one this season but while he earned one of the sponsors new sedans in the Volvo China Open there was just the honour on the next tee for the one-time Tour champ.
However looming large is overwhelming Irish favourite Graeme McDowell birding his 16th and 17th holes in a score of 69 to two behind Ilonen as he seeks not only a first victory this year but a maiden Irish Open win.
And on top a super news week for Irish Open McDowell now wants to write his own chapter in sports-mad Munster.
He said: “It’s been fun to come here this week after the pressures of last week’s U.S. Open and just let off some steam and relax, and enjoy my golf again and also enjoy the odd pint of Guinness in the evenings.
“I will now try and give the crowds what they want tomorrow and that’s an Irish winner but then there is a lot of names up on the leader board who will have issues with that.
“Winning the Irish Open is well up my leader board as far as wish lists of golf tournaments I would like to win, and to win would do many things like kick-start my season and boost my Ryder Cup chances.
“But more importantly I have a chance to win here in front of the home fans what with everything good that has gone on this week what with the announcement of the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush and Rory (McIlroy) and his Olympic announcement, and really everything good that is going on with Irish golf with the vibes so good at present.”
Wattel shares fourth place with three others including Swede Kristoffer Broberg who was bizarrely confronted by the tournament director after his round and informed he needs to tidy up himself and wear longer shirts that don’t keep coming out from his trousers.
The French-born Wattel’s last victory before turning pro was his six-shot success in the 2010 Scottish Stroke-Play at Glasgow Gailes.
He said: “I’ve never played in a Major yet and I would love in The Open as I have tried to qualify the last two years but missed out.
“I’m feeling good after three rounds and very comfortable with the course and with my game. I am only three shots behind and that is nothing around here. Also I have been in the position before so I am feeling very comfortable even in front of these great Irish crowds.”
With both Ilonen and McDowell already exempt into the July 17th commencing it is Willett along with Wattel, Broberg and two others also at nine under in line to secure the three spots into The Open.
