Tyrrell Hatton, dual victor of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, equalled the St Andrews course record of 61, placing him one stroke ahead as he enters the last round. The English golfer, who also competes in the Ryder Cup, could become the first to take this tournament three times. He claimed an eagle and nine birdies on Saturday, matching Ross Fisher’s Old Course record and marking 22 under par. Along with his father, Jeff Hatton, he also leads in the group competition at 38 under par, aiming to conclude an unforgettable Sunday.
On the third round, Tom McKibbin is at 12-under par, with Pádraig Harrington just one stroke behind at 11-under. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are both currently at 10-under par. Nicolas Colsaerts, who previously co-led at the halfway mark, signaled the day’s highlight with a rare albatross at the five-par 16th hole at Kingsbarns Golf Links. This was part of his third consecutive 65 for the week, making him Hatton’s nearest competition at 21-under. Tom Vaillant from France is two behind in third place.
Starting the day at three strokes behind the leader, after rounds of 65 and 68 respectively at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, Hatton showcased a stunning scoring surge on the front nine, bagging a co-lead after six holes. However, an albatross and birdie from Colsaerts over two consecutive holes led him five clear on top. When Colsaerts double-bogeyed his subsequent hole, Hatton seized the opportunity, hitting four straight birdies from the 12th to close in. He concluded with a couple of back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th, equalling Fisher’s place in the records and securing the lead into the fourth round.
Reflecting on his performance, Hatton said, “I was just taking each hole as it came and just trying to make as many birdies as I could.” He noted that his lowest round on tour was also here, adding, “That’s actually my lowest round on tour as well. Felt like I was trying harder than I normally would for a putt on the last.”
“I’m glad the putt was successful, and luckily it ended up in the hole. It was a rather pleasing day.”