Rock still on top despite close 59 call

“The Scottish Open has the history it has for a reason and a lot of great players will play it, so it will be a good test.

“My first time in Scotland was in 2010 when I played the Junior Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, which is definitely not links golf. It’s not a very Scottish golf course. It’s very American.

“I also played the Palmer Cup at Royal County Down in Ireland, which is probably my favourite course in the world.

“I would love to have the opportunity to go over there and play a lot of courses, whether in Scotland, Ireland or different places.

“I’ve played enough to know that I really enjoy myself over there and enjoy that style of golf.”

Robert Rock narrowly missed from 30 feet for a last-hole eagle that would have seen him claim only the second 59 in European Tour history.

But the Englishman is still in pole position to pocket second winner’s cheque ch from the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open O despite never having won the tournament to before!

Rock did tap in for his sixth straight birdie bir at the par-five 18th at Lahinch for a course record of 60, eclipsing Padraig Pa Harrington’s 63 on Thursday.

At A 13 under, Rock enjoys a one-shot lead lea over compatriot Eddie Pepperell and an Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello, with overnight ov leader Zander Lombard another an stroke back after recovering from fro four-putting the fourth to make 68.

But there was disappointment for Scots Russell Ru Knox and Robert MacIntyre, who had ha started the day four off the lead.

Knox K carded a level-par 70 to fall to eight eig shots adrift, while MacIntyre’s 72 saw him slip even further back.

Rock, who took home the first prize of 500,000 euros after losing a play-off to the then amateur Shane Lowry at Baltray in 2009, said: “The finish was a bit much really.

“I holed a really long putt on 17 and it was only when I was walking to my second shot on 18 and checked the par of the course I realised it was an eagle for 59.

“My caddie was well aware. He wasn’t going to tell me but I beat him to it. I hit a good shot and gave myself a chance for it. It was a 25-foot putt, which I actually thought I was probably going to get the way I had been putting, and maybe that’s where I went wrong.

“It’s disappointing not to make it but 60 is a great score. I’ve played rubbish so far this season so it’s nice to play better.

“It’s a good opportunity to get my season back on track, qualify for The Open and maybe win a tournament again which would be lovely, because it’s been a long while.”

Rock’s last European Tour title came in 2012, when he held off challenges from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Pepperell also produced a late run, playing the final seven holes in four under, to remain in contention for a third European Tour title.

He said: “I was quite angry. It was a tough day because I had to be really patient and today was the best day I’ve swung the club this week.

“It was quite frustrating actually for the first 11 holes.

“But I don’t see why I can’t go out there and shoot six under or something tomorrow and make me hard to beat.”