For a second European Tour in succession an Australian is in contention for victory.
A week ago, it was Queenslander Maverick Antcliff sharing the lead heading to the final round of the Porsche European Open in Germany.
Now with a round to play in Sweden, it is West Australian Jason Scrivener sharing the lead with a round to play in the inaugural Scandinavian Mixed hosted by Annika and Henrik.
Scrivener, 32, capped his third round with a par-5, 10th hole eagle, and to be five-under through three rounds at the 10th, along with five birdies in a six-under par 66 to move to 12-under par.
Swede Caroline Hedwall, 32, had led by two shots in playing the 17th only to send her drive into water in taking a double-bogey ‘6’ on route to a 73 and drop back into a four-way share of the lead on 12-under par.
Aussie Jason Scrivener tied for the lead with a round to play at the Scandinavian Mixed
Tied with Hedwall and Scrivener at the top is the Aussie’s European Tour colleague Welshman Rhys Enoch (66) and Hedwall’s fellow Ladies European Tour (LET) star in England’s Alice Hewson (69),
While Scrivener and Enoch seek to win for a first time on the European Tour, the player to beat will be Hedwall and despite her 17th hole mishap.
Hedwall, and studying for a criminology degree, has won 15 times in her pro career including six victories on the LET while the current World No. 161 enjoys the experience of 42 women’s majors plus has four Solheim Cup caps.
Though with 17 players within four shots of the lead, the inaugural and historic event is anyone’s.
Scrivener, natually, would dearly love to be one stepping forward to accept the trophy from hosts Annika Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson.
“To be honest at the start of the day I would have taken a round of even par as well but I got off to a nice start, fed off yesterday’s round and just kept it going,” he said.
“I’m not normally an early bird but with 4am alarm this morning, it was an early start but a good way to start the round.
“I just enjoy the opportunity I think, I love the golf course and I’m starting to get a handle on it, so another good opportunity to win a golf tournament”.
Scrivener is contesting his 162nd Tour event and has a best of second, and at this year’s 2021 opening Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, along with five thirds and 15 other top-10s to his credit.
And the key to the current World No. 104 becoming the first Aussie to win on the European Tour this season?
“I need to stay aggressive,” he said.
“My game has really come around, I feel like I am fairly sharp, so stay aggressive and keep making some birdies.
“It’s also been really cool to compete against the girls and hopefully the guys can come out on top (smiling)”.
