Germans set up final-day fight to the Finnish
German pair Velten Meyer and Marc Hammer share the lead going into today’s final day of the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge, whilst Ireland’s John Murphy is one back after shooting a blistering 62, including 29 on the back nine.
Meyer, who started the day two shots behind, handled the wet weather best in Finland and climbed ahead of those playing behind him to top the leaderboard and is in a calm mindset going into today.
“It was a good day, tough conditions at times, all in all I played pretty solid,” he said.
“Play smart but still be aggressive out here, the greens are soft so you can go after some pins. Obviously, it is nice to see the putts go in.
“My main goal today was to keep my grips dry! That was a challenge, I think I managed OK.
“I am not trying to reinvent the wheel, just hit some greens and give myself some good looks.
“I would love to win, if I don’t, I’ll try my best next week, I’m quite relaxed about it. I’m going to try my hardest and we’ll see what it adds up to tomorrow.”
Irishman Murphy, who came into the week on hot form, having finished third in his home Challenge Tour event at the K Club last week, shot the round of the day highlighted by an eagle on his opening and closing holes.
“Obviously, it was a bit of fun,” he quipped afterwards.
“I started off with an eagle which was nice, hit it to about 4-feet. Got a bit shaky there for a while, I thought I was losing it. But thankfully made a few coming in to add up to 62 so I won’t complain.
“Made a great birdie on 12 in the midst of the rain. Was kind of a free for all from there really! Hit fairways, hit greens, made a couple coming in.
“On the last, my caddy gave me a great number, 68 yards and I ended up holing it. I said to him walking up to the ball I needed to hole it to shoot 29!
“I’ve been putting myself in good positions, in the last three weeks, I’ve been in the final group or close to it. This is why I get up in the morning and practise. This is what we live for as golfers, for moments like this.’
For the 24-year-old, the plan is simple for the rest of the today, ahead of a big day and potential victory tomorrow.
“Probably go to the gym and hang out with the lads. There is a strong Irish contingent here this week and we’ve been having loads of fun. I’m sure that will pass the day pretty easily.
“The Premier League starts today, so I’m sure that will add a few hours onto it!”
Victor Riu of France, is three shots back, with Dane Martin Simonsen the pick of three players four shots behind.
Scots Bradley Neil and Calum Fyfe are tied in 42nd place on seven-under, while Same Locke is at one-under-par in 71st.