For first European win in eight years

“I’m very, very happy with my life,” he said. “I’m very happy where I am and there is no re-think about starting playing golf again, I’m very happy the way it is.

“It probably helps a little bit because it doesn’t really matter to me either way, it is what it is.

“I’m not going to come back and play full-time, that decision has been made so I’m just enjoying playing.”

Korhonen recorded eight birdies and a bogey in his 64 and is finding form at just the right time, needing to gain five places in the Race to Dubai rankings to make the top 111 and keep his card for next season.

Defending champion Andy Sullivan and fellow Englishman Chris Paisley were then at 16-under alongside Scot Paul Lawrie, with another Scot, Marc Warren, a further shot back.

England’s Callum Shinkwin and Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher were then in the group four shots off the lead.

WELSHMAN Stephen Dodd will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Senior Italian Open Presented by Villaverde Resort after carding a sevenunder-par round of 64.

Dodd, who made his over-50s bow at the Senior Open Championship in July, is nineunder-par at Golf Club Udine after his round which included seven birdies and an eagle.