Carnoustie, Scotland ….

Tyrrell Hatton has both Tiger Woods and Ernie Els in his sights heading to a hopeful third straight success in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

Unlike a day earlier, the victorious Ryder Cup rookie posted an incident-free six-under par 66 at Carnoustie to move to a share of second on eight-under and just a shot behind the leading duo of Dane Lucas Bjerregaard (65) and Italian Andrea Pavan (63).

Hatton’s effort was five strokes fewer than any one of his four Open Championship scores of three months earlier on the same course.

In very stark contrast, Hatton is now 55-under par for his last 10 rounds in the Dunhill Links.

Tyrrell Hatton has Tiger Woods and Ernie Els in his Dunhill Links victory sights. (Photo – European Tour)

A year ago, Hatton became the first player to successfully defend the Dunhill and now would join Woods, as WGC – AMEX winner from 2005 to 2007, and Els, who from 2002 won three straight Heineken Classic titles, with a third victory at the Home of Golf.

And after the excitement of last week’s Ryder Cup triumph, Hatton could not be more relaxed heading to the final two rounds on the famed Old Course at St. Andrews.

“You’ve got so much adrenaline and such an atmosphere to play in, and then this week is obviously the either end of the scale with obviously the crowds aren’t so big here,” he said.

“It’s much more relaxed style of golf. We’re playing with the amateurs, and we have a good time out there, and that’s what this week’s all about.

“Also, we got Carnoustie on a nice day today, which helps a lot. This is the toughest out of the three. Especially when it blows, so we’re all fortunate to get pretty calm conditions.”

Hatton revealed also after being in contact with the Edinburgh woman he hit on the forehead at Kingsbarns on Thursday, will be a spectator Saturday at St. Andrews.

“She’s going to be in St. Andrews tomorrow, so I’ll see her there,” he said.

“It was a tough day yesterday. I tried my best out there today and tried not to think about it too much, but obviously the positives are that she’s fine and she’s able to enjoy the golf for the rest of the week.”