Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will take a commanding five-shot lead into the final day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship as Rory McIlroy’s frustration continues unchecked heading to his last round of the year in Scotland.
Hatton, who turns 26 on October 14, was in brilliant form not dropping a shot in seven-under par 65 on the Kingsbarns Links course and one of three host venues in the $US 5m event.
The Englishman returns to the Old Course at St. Andrews at an impressive 18-under par with Frenchman Gregory Bourdy who recorded a 66 at Carnoustie in second place on 13-under par.
Hatton has not dropped a shot since the 17th hole on Thursday and has since played the ensuing 37 holes in 15-under par
“It would be amazing to win again,” he said.
Tyrrell Hatton tees off the seventh hole at Kinsbarns in 2017 Alfred Dunhill Links (Image – European Tour/Getty)
“To win at the Home of Golf once, is incredible, but to do it again and defend would be a dream come true.
“Today was a great day. I played really good. Conditions were quite tough towards the end, so I feel like I did quite well hanging in there, and it was nice to birdie the last, and looking forward to tomorrow”.
Twelve months ago, Hatton took a three-shot lead into the final round and eventually won by four.
It has only been in his last two events before this week Hatton has again returned to form sharing third in the European Masters and then sharing eighth place a week ago at the British Masters.
However, Hatton did squander a three-shot 36-hole lead and with a former European Tour player criticising Hatton’s poor on-course demeanour.
There were again some signs of frustration on day three at Kingsbarns Links but for the most part the Englishman enjoyed again being in the company of amateur partner and Fifty Shade of Grey star, Jamie Dornan.
“Yeah, it’s good fun to be playing with Jamie again as we get on really well, and obviously having a mate on the bag, Jonathan, he’s helping, too,” said Hatton.
“This format helps as it keeps me relaxed, and I’m enjoying it.”
Bourdy capped his round with four birdies in succession from his 12th hole as the 35-year old Bordeaux golfer seeks a fifth Tour title and a first since capturing the 2013 Wales Open.
“Very pleased for sure as Carnoustie is one of my favourite links courses, as well,” he said.
“I feel good on it, and yeah, I knew I can do a good score there.
“The Old Course is my favourite in the world but this one is not far away behind so I’m very pleased about my first three rounds and finishing on the Old Course tomorrow will be exciting.
“I’m looking forward to have a lovely day, and I will do my best. I will fight from the beginning until the end. It’s a just great to be in that position on my favourite golf course in the world, the famous Old Course, and we are doing very well as a team, also, my partner, and really enjoy the moment.”
European Tour No. 1 Tommy Fleetwood slumped from a share of the overnight lead with Hatton in shooting a horror four-over 76 also at Kingsbarns Links to end the round sharing 18th place.
McIroy is now 18 holes shy of ending his poorest season since 2008 and his first full year in the pro ranks.
His third round was a sour cocktail of eight birdies but also two bogeys and an 11th hole double bogey in his round of 68 also at Kingsbarns Links for an overall four-under tally.
McIlroy looked headed in missing the third day cut when he took double-bogey at his 11th hole or the second hole of the course that saw him drop to one-under.
The World No. 6 regrouped with four birdies in succession to move safely to five-under but only to leave a fifth birdie in a row short at his 16th ahead of bogeying the last.
“I just wish I hadn’t bogeyed the last but I did what I needed to do to here tomorrow,” he said.
“It was a bit of an up-and-down day. I had eight birdies, two bogeys and a double out there, so there’s a bit of everything.
“So, glad to get one more round around in at St. Andrews before I call it a season and get ready for next year.”
