Hatton hits peak to match Old Course record
ENGLAND’S Tyrrell Hatton hailed the best round of his career after equalling the course record at St Andrews to take control of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Hatton carded 10 birdies in a flawless 62 on the Old Course and will take a threeshot lead over compatriot Ross Fisher into today’s final round at the same venue.
The world No53 raced to the turn in 30 and picked up further shots on the 10th, 14th, 17th and 18th to finish 17 under par in pursuit of his first European Tour title.
‘It’s quite clearly the best round I’ve ever had,’ he said. ‘I’ve never got to double digits before either so I’m really pleased with that. I think with my bad shots, I didn’t really get punished for them. I missed them in good spots and I just putted really well. If you are holing putts, you’re always going to shoot a decent score.
‘The putt on 17 was probably the best putt I holed today, 25 feet. But the majority of them were around six to 15 feet and, if you keep knocking them in, it’s certainly good for confidence. I’d love to get a win and I’ll try my best. It has been a really consistent year and hopefully I can have a good finish as well.’
Halfway leader Fisher, who lost a play-off for the Porsche European Open a fortnight ago, carded a 69 at Carnoustie to finish 14 under, with South Africa’s Richard Sterne and Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren a shot further back.
‘You never know what you’re going to get when you turn up here,’ said Fisher. ‘We were all hoping for Carnicety and not Car-nasty. We got it. It was a beautiful day to play this place. It was still tricky out there. It was very firm, very fiery, but overall I felt pretty pleased with the round.’
Former world No1 Martin Kaymer is five shots off the lead after a 65 on the Old Course, but was more concerned with making the cut in the team event with his father, Horst.
‘He never experienced the final round at St Andrews, so the most important thing is that we have a good time out there as a family,’ he said.