Howie’s Dutch of class takes him to the top
Craig Howie will take a one-stroke lead into today’s final day of the B-NL Challenge Trophy after posting a fourunder-par round of 67 at The Dutch.
The Scotsman carded six birdies and two bogeys to move one shot clear on 10-under-par of overnight leader Marcus Helligkilde, who signed for a level-par round of 70.
The 27-year-old was proud of his performance as The Dutch showed its teeth on moving day, with high winds and firm greens making playing conditions extremely tough.
“I’m really pleased,” Howie said.
“It was a tricky day today and I just had to stay patient. It was really windy and i think it was the tough est day so far because I really had to control my shots outthere.
“There was a lot of cross winds which made it difficult and imagine the scoring hasn’t been as low today.
Howie picked up his maiden European Challenge Tour title earlier this season at the Range Servant Challenge by Hinton Golf but has struggled for form since and the Scotsman was delighted to be back firing on all cylinders this week, adding that his long game has been key in setting up birdie opportunities at
The Dutch.
“It’s been a tricky couple of months but it’s nice to find some form again and hopefully I can get a win tomorrow.” “I’m driving it great,” he said. “The first two days I have drove it really well, so it’s made the game a lot easier.
“When you’re approaching the green from the fairways it’s easier to make birdies and hopefully, I can keep doing that tomorrow.”
Six players share third place on eightunder-par, including Spaniard Alfredo Garcia-heredia and Northern Irishman Michael Hoey, who carded a six-underpar round of 65.
The Continent of Europe yesterday defeated Great Britain and Ireland 16½8½ to win the jacqueslégl is e trophy at Falsterbo Golf Club in Sweden.
The victory marks the 14th time that the Continent of Europe has won the Jacques Léglise Trophy since the boys’ international match between the two teams was rejuvenated in 1977.