Veteran Rock on a roll as he makes history with a record-breaking 60

ROBERT ROCK might be better known these days as a coach to several players on the European Tour.

But the 42-year-old Englishman has a chance to upstage all of them today after creating a moment of history with a stunning third-round 60 in front of a capacity crowd at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Not only was it a new course record at Lahinch, it was the lowest round ever seen at this event, first staged in 1927.

Seven years after he defeated Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy down the stretch at the Abu Dhabi Championship, Rock has the chance to return to the winner’s circle — and claim a spot in The Open at Royal Portrush into the bargain.

He missed a 20ft putt on the 18th to become only the second man ever to shoot a 59 on the European tour, following Oliver Fisher’s feat in Portugal last year.

‘It’s my best-ever score so I can’t be too upset,’ said Rock. ‘I now have the chance to turn my season around, because it’s been rubbish to this point.’

Rock begins today’s final round with a oneshot lead over Eddie Pepperell (66) and Rafa Cabrera-Bello (63).

Grant Forrest is top Scot as a fine 65 thrust him up the leaderboard into a share of ninth on eight-under-par 202.

Russell Knox managed a level-par 70 and is now eight shots off the lead on five under.

Rising star Robert MacIntyre could only sign for a 72 and is two strokes further back on 207, while Liam Johnston’s 76 left him well down the field.

COLLIN MORIKAWA and Matthew Wolff joined Bryson DeChambeau (70) in the lead on 15-under 198 going into the final round of the 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota, after firing respective rounds of 64 and 62 last night.