Pulkkanen powers his way into the final round in Prague
CZECH MASTERS
Tapio Pulkkanen will take a twostroke lead into the final round of the D+D REAL Czech Masters as he aims to secure a maiden European Tour title.
The Finn, who was European Challenge Tour No. 1 in 2017, carded a six-under-par round of 66 at Albatross Golf Resort to move to 13-under-par, two shots clear of Americans Sean Crocker and Johannes Veerman and 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson.
After three birdies on his front nine, Pulkkanen shared the lead at the turn but pulled clear with gains at the 11th, 13th and 16th holes.
He recovered from a bogey on 17th on the closing hole, firing his approach to three feet and tapping in for his seventh birdie of the day.
Pulkkanen said: “It was a solid round – better than the first two. A lot of good putts and a lot of good iron shots. Off the tee I was pretty straight today as well, so I’m happy with that.
“I did everything the same, a little bit of a different wind direction today, that helped on the par fives a little bit, but everything else was the same.
“I won one tournament in Kazakhstan. Winning, of course, is always difficult.
“I feel like I could do it tomorrow. I was on top here three years ago, but the wind changed in the middle of the tournament and I didn’t have a good strategy
for the other wind direction. I feel like I can play both aggressive and defensive here this week. I feel like I can win here.”
Crocker and Veerman are also in search of their first European Tour victories, while Stenson will bid for his 12th title and first win since claiming his maiden Major Championship at Royal Troon five years ago.
Stenson said: “It would mean a lot to win. I haven’t won for about two years. It would be nice to get another win under my belt.
“On the same note, I’m all about the progress that I’m trying to make. I know when I get my golf game in good shape I’ll have chance to win tournaments still.
“It doesn’t matter how hungry you are or how well you’re trying to do things if it’s not coming together. We’re making good progress and after three days we’re still at the races.”
Paul Peterson, winner of this event in 2016, makes up the top five on 10-under-par after his four under round of 68.