GULLANE, Scotland, : Little-known Briton Daniel Brooks shrugged off a wrist problem sustained on the first hole to remain in front after the Scottish Open third round on Saturday.
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Defending champion Justin Rose and his Ryder Cup team-mate Graeme McDowell were among those sharing second on eight under, along with Swede Johan Carlsson, Ireland’s Shane Lowry, American Ryan Palmer and Englishman Matthew Nixon.
Brooks, had played the two best rounds of his career with a 64 and 65 to open up his three-shot lead, but that proved to be short-lived.
Brooks won the Madeira Islands Open in 2014, an event reduced to 36 holes due to bad weather delays and overshadowed by the death of Alastair Forsyth’s caddie Iain McGregor on the course during the final round.
“I know what lays ahead should I win tomorrow but I am going to go out there and continue what I have been doing this past three days”, he told reporters.
A first prize of almost $850,000 – easily the biggest payday of his career – and a spot at next week’s British Open at St. Andrews is at stake for Brooks in what would be a life-changing win for the 28-year-old Londoner. So it’s been tough, but it’s my 20th season on Tour.
The 41-year-old had a bogey-free round and says he is enjoying his golf again after improved performances in the previous three tournaments.
A six on the first hole briefly dropped him out of the lead behind Jacquelin, and he needed some clutch putts for pars on Nos.
“I wasn’t feeling the pressure today, which is a nice feeling”, Brooks said. 12-13.
A further stroke back on seven under came Cabrera-Bello, Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo and English trio Tommy Fleetwood, Richard McEvoy and Richard Finch (68).
Rickie Fowler: “The big key is preparation for next week”.
Russell Knox is in the same group as Pepperell, an eagle at the 16th helping him to a 66 that means the Florida-based Scot leads the home challenge after Paul Lawrie could only shoot a 69 to lie two shots further back.
“One of the goals coming in was to get ready for next week, but to put myself in contention, so the juices are ready for next week as well”, he said.
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Matt Kuchar of the U.S.is one of three players on 9 under overall after a 67. All three had gone into Saturday’s round in a tie for second place, but all ended the day tied for 18th on six under par.
