Richard Mansell doubled his lead at Carnoustie with a 5-over 67 in the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Saturday.
No. 218-ranked Mansell was on course for his first win on the European Tour as the Englishman returned to St Andrews, an event he played on three Scottish history courses in the first three days. And the old course at the Golf House.
Mansell defied terrible weather to shoot a 4-under 68 on the Old Course on Friday and shined again on a bright but windy half-hour day on the fairway, posting six birdies and one bogey for a 15-under 201.
“I’ve been in a lot of competition this year and I’ve had opportunities on Sunday,” said Mansell, who has three top-5 finishes this year. “They always say, in golf, you don’t lose, you learn. That’s what I feel like I’ve done well this year.”
“There’s a lot of golf tomorrow. Links golf. Anything can happen. It’s St. Andrews. People can shoot 60. I’m just focused on myself right now. I’m going to try and see where it puts me and not worry about anybody else.
Three players are tied for second place: England’s Daniel Gavins, Sweden’s Alex Noren and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.
Noren, playing at St Andrews, carded a 69 after five birdies and two bogeys. Gavins (67) and Fox (65) produced strong finishes to their rounds at Kingsbarn to move into the mix.
Rory McIlroy has a big job on his hands after an eight-shot 66 at St Andrews.
