Holland’s Joost Luiten birdied three of closing four holes in a round of 65 for a two shot lead on day three of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor
Luiten came from a stroke back at the start of the overhaul Ireland’s Shane Lowy and move to 14-under par in ideal scoring conditions on the Twenty-Ten course.
The 28-year old arrived in Wales having finished fifth in his defence of last week’s KLM Open title and is now primed to become the first Dutch-born winner of the Wales Open.
“I am very happy, good score as I played solid, consistent, hit a lot of greens, and got my round going with some nice putts at the beginning,” he said.
“I didn’t really make a lot of putts in the middle part, but came back strong at the end with three birdies on the last four so I have to be happy.”
David Lloyd’s great shot of Dutchman Joost Luiten and Ireland’s Shane Lowry heading down the last hole on day three of the Wales Open. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)
The three-time European Tour winner could have finished three clear of his rivals when he long eagle putt from the back of the green at the 18th hole hit the edge of the hole before Luiten managed the sixth birdie of his round from four feet.
Luiten finished 15th overall on the European Ryder Cup points table but was overlooked for a ‘wildcard’ pick by the 16th placed, and eight-time Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood.
Luiten had boosted hopes of becoming the first Dutch-born European Ryder Cup team member earlier in the qualifying period with two thirds and two other top-10s.
However missing the cut at the British Open along with a poor results in the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and the following week’s PGA Championship spoilt that goal.
“Since the qualifying process ended I have been fourth and then fifth last week, so if you have these last couple events counting for the qualification of The Ryder Cup, maybe I may have had a chance,” he said.
“Bu then we know the date when qualification ends and you have to play well before that and I didn’t do that, and you have to be realistic. I’m just happy that I’m playing good golf and keep it going.”
Lowry got the start he wanted to his third round with birdies at two, three and the sixth hole but the Dubliner stalled to then par his closing 12 holes.
“I’m still there and that’s the main thing,” he said.
“If you had given me this Thursday morning before I stood on the first tee, I would have taken your hand off.
“So I’m where I want to be and I feel like I have a chance tomorrow. Joost is playing lovely but I felt like I played lovely myself. Just warm up the putter tonight and see what happens tomorrow.”
Former Welsh Open winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand shot a 66 to be sharing third place on 11-under par with Frenchman Gregory Havret who signed for a 67.
Havret, who last won in 2008, is looking to follow compatriot Gregory Bourdy who captured last year’s Wales Open.
European Ryder rookie Jamie Donaldson continues to impress shooting a 68 to move to eight under par while eight-time European team member Lee Westwood jumped 23 spots with a round of 68 to be in a share of 32nd on three under par.
However Dane Thomas Bjorn slipped two dozen spots with a round of 71 to be tied in 46th position at two under par.
