Marcus has set his sights on grabbing
Marcus Helligkilde will take a fivestroke lead into today’s final day of the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge after posting a six-under-par round of 66, which included eight birdies.
The 24-year-old sits in pole position for the third-consecutive day and will attempt to claim a maiden European Challenge Tour victory in wire-to-wire fashion at Vierumäki Resort.
Helligkilde moved to 22-underpar in total, his lowest threeround score since turning professional and admitted he thrived in the pressurised environment that comes with playing in the final group.
“You get nervous when you’re in the lead and I got that today,” he said.
“I had to remind myself that I love playing golf and all I can do is try my best. I just enjoyed myself out there and no matter what happens I am just going to have fun tomorrow.
“I love being in contention and all of the feelings that you get from playing in the final group.”
“I didn’t even realise I was five shots clear to be honest. The putting was good today, the driving was good, and my approaches were OK.
“Overall, I’m happy with my round of golf.”
The Dane currently sits in 30th position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and is looking to break into the top 20 with victory in Finland tomorrow.
Helligkilde showed no signs of complacency and believes keeping the ball in play off the tee will be crucial if he is to triumph.
“I will have the same game plan and just try to be the best version of myself again, “he said.
“I will get the fear of choking the lead about 100 times this evening, but I just have to accept that and believe in myself.
“I haven’t managed to win on the Challenge Tour yet but
hopefully that changes very soon.”
“The golf course was so firm and because there was so much wind the ball was travelling so far.
“You had to hit the fairways to have a chance of attacking the pins because you will be unable to keep the ball on the green if you’re coming from the rough.”
Sweden’s Jesper Svensson sits in second place on 17-underpar after he also carded a sixunder par round of 66, while compatriot Jesper Kennegard and Englishman Todd Clements share third on 14-under.
Scotland’s Bradley Neil is in a tie for 19th on a seven-under total of 209.