Thomas Detry and Matt Fitzpatrick take a one stroke lead over World Number One Jon Rahm into the final round of the abrdn Scottish Open, the second Rolex Series event of the season.
Fitzpatrick carded a four under par round of 67 to move to 14 under and was joined by Detry, who started the day in a share of the lead, after the Belgian carded a three under par 68. Fitzpatrick is seeking a seventh European Tour victory – and a third on the Rolex Series – while Detry will go in search of his maiden European Tour title.
Rahm, winner of last month’s U.S. Open, carded a two under par 69 to move to 13 under, as he looks to win once again in his first appearance since his triumph at Torrey Pines.
Australian Lucas Herbert, winner of last week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, climbed 19 places on the leaderboard into fourth on 12 under after a seven under par round of 64. He is one stroke ahead of compatriots Min Woo Lee and Wade Ormsby and American Scottie Scheffler.
Player Quotes
Matt Fitzpatrick: “I didn’t play as solid tee-to-green as I did the first two days. But just putted really well. Chipped it really solid, too.
“The big thing is I feel like I’ve been pretty conservative around this golf course and just playing pretty safe, and I feel like that’s been the smart thing to do and just not made the mistakes maybe that some others have. I think if I can keep doing that tomorrow and keep the putter going, then I’ll be okay.”
Thomas Detry: “Eventful day. Got off to a really good start. Didn’t quite make the putts that I wanted to but then got a good break on hole No. 5 for an eagle and that kick started the day really. Managed to make the turn at two under and then played some really steady golf from there on. There was a bit of a hiccup on 17 and it was nice to hear some crowds and to see some beer flying around after that shot.
“I’ve done really well already at some Rolex Series events. I feel like I’ve been up there a few times and know how to approach it. I’m going to play my game the same that I did today and hope for the best.”
Jon Rahm: “It’s a bit similar to yesterday. You see 66, you see a great round, and you see 7-under through ten, and it could have been better, what could have been, and today was the same thing. Great ball-striking, hit great shots.
“Just a couple errors, whether it’s me mentally or technically, whatever it is. It is unfortunate that it’s been happening quite a bit the last few days. I’m usually very, very solid inside five feet. That’s usually my comfortable range. It’s definitely unusual.
“But I’m making it up with a couple other longer putts and hitting really, really good shots out there. My iron play was exceptional today and it was great off the tee. Hopefully I can keep that going tomorrow and clean up the little mistakes and come out on top.”
Lucas Herbert: “I didn’t feel like there was much going on out there. I felt like I was almost cruising in third gear and couldn’t quite get things to happen. I was watching the boards and everyone seems to be making a bit of a move, and then I finish birdie, birdie, I’m right in the tournament and pretty pleasing to finish like that.
“The conditions are somewhat benign out there for sure but I think this is the third year here now at Renaissance Club and they figured out where the tricky spots are to put pins. Really helps with local knowledge to know that you can bank it off this slope or work it in from this side or anything like that. It’s a good test out there today and yeah, it was nice to finish like that.”
