It’s not World No. 1 Rory McIlroy leading the field in the BMW Italian Open but World No. 222 Garth Mulroy of South Africa.
The 29-year old came from a shot behind heading into the third round to be leading by one going to the last day.
Last November’s Alfred Dunhill Championship winner posted seven birdies and only his second bogey of the week in moving to 17 under par at Royal Park I Roveri.
Garth Mulroy just one round away from climbling to the top of the BMW Italian Open. (Picture – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
But hot on the heels of the affable Springbok golfer is a trio of Spaniards.
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño birdied the last two holes for a 67 to reach 16 under, while Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Pablo Larrazábal are a shot further back after rounds of 65 and 66 respectively.
Mulroy, who believes the course has a South African feel to it, admitted it would be a big boost to his confidence to win on European soil for the first time.
“I said on the first day the course reminds me a lot of a South African course,” he said.
“The trees and the shape are similar, and the ball goes a little further too.
“I haven’t played so well this year. It would be a big thing to win on mainland Europe, especially with the purse here and the two-year exemption.
“I’ve played quite a bit with Gonzalo. We’ve been drawn together a few times and have played together a few more at the weekend. I enjoy it and I like his caddie too, he’s a funny guy. I feel very comfortable out there.”
Fernandez-Castaño had seven birdies and four bogeys – two from hitting his ball in the water – but the highlight was undoubtedly a 70 foot eagle at the long eighth.
“I played well but I had a few unforced errors which cost me a few shots,” said the five-time European Tour winner.
“But two birdies to finish on the last two holes has put me back in contention and I’m in a great position for tomorrow.
“It’s not going to be an easy task. There are a lot of players within four shots, and this is one of those courses where you can go really low if you have a good day.
“So I will need to play well again tomorrow and go low, especially to put some pressure on Garth, who is playing great. He’s hitting the ball beautifully and his putting is fabulous. It’s going to be hard to beat him tomorrow.”
Ryder Cup stars Nicolas Colsaerts and Martin Kaymer remain in contention on 13 under, alongside home favourite Matteo Manassero, overnight leader Richard Bland, Welshman Phillip Price and Frenchman Grégory Bourdy.
