UNBLEMISHED PARATORE CAN JOIN ELITE
Here in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall, it seems entirely appropriate that a man from rome is perfectly placed to keep the home subjects in their place and claim the Betfred British Masters at Close House today.
renato Paratore is the fastest player in european golf and is in a hurry to make up for lost time and capture this title, the first european Tour event to be staged since the end of lockdown.
For three rounds, the engaging 23-year-old has given an exquisite demonstration that you don’t have to take all day to play all-conquering golf, and is in sight of a rare achievement.
No player has won a tournament in europe while remaining bogey- free for 72 holes since Jesper Parnevik managed it at the Scandinavian Masters 25 years ago, almost to the day. Paratore, without a blemish on his card for three days, shot a third round 66 yesterday for a one-shot lead over 34-year-old South African Justin Harding, with exciting Danish 19-year- old rasmus Hojgaard a further stroke behind.
Three in arrears, the home challenge is led by Dale Whitnell, with Ashley Chesters and Sam Horsfield four shots adrift. If truth be told, the trio are more like apprentices than British masters, but they will have their chance to finish learning their trade today and claim one of the great titles in european golf.
Whitnell, from essex, and Chesters from Shropshire needed years before they felt comfortable at this level, a sharp contrast to Horsfield, who has lived in Orlando since he was a toddler and has a champion’s swagger before he’s even become one.
That’s what happens when you are playing golf alongside Ian Poulter growing up, and he is proclaiming you a future superstar while you’re still in your mid-teens.
If the 23-year-old keeps playing like he did yesterday, it won’t be long before Poulter’s prophecy is spot on. Horsfield notched a breathtaking 61 that included no fewer than three eagles. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever had that many eagles in one round,’ said an impressed Lee Westwood, the tournament host. After roughly 2,000 rounds on the european Tour, that is quite something.
There again, Horsfield has a penchant for the spectacular. He shot his first 59 at the age of 13, and had another during the long break on a course with a par of 73. He is planning to play the first five events on the UK swing and is setting his sights high. Asked if he thought he was ready to win, there was no trace of hesitation. ‘Yeah, I do,’ he replied.
Whitnell is a delight to watch, playing almost as quickly as his playing partner Paratore, and acquitting himself well. He finished birdie, birdie for a 68. Another englishman, robert rock, is five behind.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods confirmed he will not play before the USPGA Championship in a fortnight, opting to miss next week’s WGC event in Memphis.