Tyrrell Hatton posted a record-equalling 61 at the Old Course at St Andrews to take a one-shot lead into the final round as he stepped up his bid to become the first three-time winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Hatton, who won this event in 2016 and 2017 and has also recorded two runner-up finishes, continued his love affair with the unique tournament by firing an eagle and nine birdies at the Old Course St Andrews to tie Ross Fisher’s course record.
Hatton also leads the Team Championship alongside dad Jeff by three shots on -38, as they aim to emulate Matt Fitzpatrick’s double victory last season, when he added team glory alongside mum Susan to his individual victory.
Overnight co-leader Nicolas Colsaerts was alone in second spot one stroke further back after shooting a spectacular 65 at Kingsbarns Golf Links which featured a memorable albatross.
Starting the day three shots off the lead after opening rounds of 65 and 68 at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns respectively, Hatton produced a brilliant burst of scoring on the front nine to grab a share of the lead after six holes.
But Belgian Colsaerts then made an albatross and a birdie in successive holes to move five clear at the top.
FINISHING WITH A FLOURISH
With a double bogey at the 41-year-old’s very next hole opening the door for the chasing pack, Hatton walked right through it with four birdies on the spin from the 12th to get within one of the lead.
And Hatton finished with a flourish, carding back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th to join Fisher in the history books and lead heading into the fourth round, which will also be at St Andrews.
The highlight of the day came from Colsaerts, with his albatross coming from 223 yards at Kingsbarns’ 16th. Using a six iron, he drilled the ball up to the slope behind the pin and watched on as it rolled back into the cup for a two at the par five.
Frenchman Tom Vaillant sits in solo third on 19 under after his 64 at Kingsbarns, while Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen is two shots further back after a spectacular 11 under par 61, firing 12 birdies after bogeying the first at Kingsbarns.
Speaking after his 61, which was the lowest of his career, Hatton said: “I was just taking each hole as it came and just trying to make as many birdies as I could. I really wanted to birdie the last and I’m delighted that I was able to do that.
“This is the third time I’ve played with my dad in this event. We had not made the cut until now in the team event. I’m sure he’s excited for tomorrow, although a bit scared, and he’ll be pretty tired, I’m sure.
“I’m excited to give it my best tomorrow. I know I’m capable of winning around here, and ultimately I’ll try my best and see how we go.”
