Filed under: Golf
Leader after each of the opening two rounds, Luke Donald endured a more difficult day at Wentworth's West Course, as he posted a third round total of 72 allowing Matteo Manassero to join him at the head of the board on five under.The day started badly for Donald when he made a double-bogey at the par-three second. The Englishman then made another double-bogey at six as his hopes of winning the BMW PGA Championship seemed to disappear.
But Donald is renowned for his ability to scramble his way out of trouble and he used those skills on the back nine where four birdies pulled him back into contention.
Yet it was not all plain sailing after the turn. Despite pulling himself level with Manassero, thanks to back-to-back birdies on 16 and 17, he planted his tee shot at 18 into the trees.
Donald looked destined for another double-bogey, but he chipped out, got on the green in four and putted out for an excellent par.
It summed up a round that was uncharacteristically wayward for Donald who has remained largely consistent and accurate over past 12 months. Nevertheless, despite his errors, he is still very much in the running.
He told a media briefing: "I did not have the control over the golf ball that I had in the previous two rounds. I made a few crucial putts on 16, 17 and 18 but overall I was disappointed that I did not have the control I wanted.
"I hit some poor tee shots but I managed to grind it out. It was a great fight back and I am pleased I'm still in with a chance.
"I will be disappointed if I don't win, but I have to play better than I did today. I need to keep it out of the trees. I was playing like Seve [Ballesteros] today and trying to escape from everywhere. I don't think I can do that for two days and still win."
While Donald was struggling, world No.1 Lee Westwood posted an excellent round of two-under 69 to leave him on three under and a two way tie for third place.
The 38-year-old, who will partner Fabrizio Zanotti on Sunday, now says he is determined to shoot a low final round to clinch the title and retain his position at the top of the rankings.
He added: "I am here to win. Being the No.1 player in the world is a great accolade but professional golfers try to win tournaments and everything else will take care of itself.
"I'm edging my way back in there but this course is a tough test. It has that feel of a Major championship where you are trying not to make too many mistakes."
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez Heath Slocum Hernan Crespo Hunter Mahan Iker Casillas
No comments:
Post a Comment