Marco Penge will take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the Open de España presented by Madrid after a fabulous seven under par 64 on day three.
Related: Patient Marco Penge moves into Open de Espana lead
The Englishman reached 16 under par after an incredible run of eight birdies in ten holes to lead by four over Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.
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The 27-year-old started the day one ahead at the top of the leaderboard but experienced a rollercoaster start to his round, snapping his club playing a shot around a tree on the second hole before bogeying the third during a run of holes where at one point he trailed Girrbach by three.
Penge rejoined him at the top with four straight gains around the turn, and moved ahead on his own after another magical escape from the trees on the 13th. He hit his second shot into the rough just right of the green and brilliantly chipped in for birdie – with his lead immediately extended to two when Girrbach’s par putt stayed up.
The 2023 Road to Mallorca winner holed a 17-foot putt at the next and then got out of the trees yet again at the next to remarkably shave the hole with an eagle putt, instead settling for a seventh birdie in eight holes.
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The two-time DP World Tour winner stretched his lead to five at the 16th before parring his final two, with Girrbach’s closing birdie reducing the deficit to four with 18 holes to play.
Girrbach’s third round 67 sees him sit second on his own, with American Patrick Reed and England’s Dan Brown sharing third on 11 under. Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin is fifth on ten under.
England’s John Parry had a day to remember thanks to his eight iron at the 17th hole bounding forward and rolling right into the cup to earn him not just a prized golfing memory but also a brand new BMW iX3 worth approximately 90,000 euros. Countryman Dan Bradbury also recorded an ace on day three, at the ninth hole.
Player quotes
Marco Penge: I took my driver back to the same loft I’d had it at all year, and today I felt like I had my speed and distance back. I just felt really confident. After about ten holes, I was just trying to go as low as I could.
Whatever the outcome, it’s going to be a great experience and great memories for me. I just love playing golf, love competing, and love playing in front of big crowds like we have here. I love to challenge myself, whether it goes well or not. Tomorrow’s just another day for me. I’m going to have fun with my caddie again. Tomorrow doesn’t define anything, it’s just another 18 holes of golf. Whatever happens, happens. It’s not the end of the world, I’ve still got my family at home and all that stuff, so I’m lucky. The result is the result.
