Doc Redman (Getty Images) and Anirban Lahiri
Nov 1: Anirban Lahiri made a lot of birdies but also gave away a few shots on the third day at the windswept Bermuda Championship. Yet he stayed within striking distance of the leaders in Southampton, Berrmuda.
On a day when winds gusted up to 40 kmph, Lahiri shot 2-under 69 and was Tied-11th, despite a closing bogey in the second round. Lahiri is now 6-under and four behind leader, Doc Redman (67), who moved to 10-under. Redman is one clear of Ryan Armour (70), Wyndham Clark (70) and Kramer Hickok (69).
Also in contention is another former Asian Tour No. 1 Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat (69) at 7-under and in Tied-8th place.
Former Asian Tour No. 1 Lahiri, who started the third day with a bogey also ended it with a bogey and in between on the ninth, he also had a double bogey. However, he has been making a lot of birdies. In the third round Lahiri made six birdies, taking his total to 15, equalling the most this week.
He admitted, “I played quite well but managed to make enough mistakes. Felt like I was a bit loose and gave away two or three shots that I should not have. I’m happy with the way I struck the ball especially on the back nine which was playing harder today. Disappointed to finish with a bogey again. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth but that’s okay.”
He said, “It was a bit of a grind but it was not as tough as yesterday,” The fact he is making a lot of birdies gave him a lot of confidence and was feeling optimistic as he continues his resurgence in form as conditions are expected to be calmer and better on the final day.
Lahiri is playing in his sixth successive season on the PGA TOUR, with a runner-up finish at the 2017 Memorial Tournament being his career best finish. He has not won a title worldwide since his win at home at the Hero Indian Open, after which he has been playing on the PGA Tour.
“Tomorrow, my goal will be to keep a clean card and if I can minimize my errors, I feel I’m playing well enough to make a bunch of birdies and hopefully down the stretch give myself a chance. Everything after that is a bonus. Hopefully we can make some magic,” said Lahiri.
“Conditions will be better for scoring (in the final round). It’ll be interesting with the two-tee start as it won’t be much of a difference in terms of the course conditions as opposed to a one tee start. Tomorrow everyone will play in a two-hour window and conditions will be the same for everyone. I’m feeling good, confident.”
Kiradech fought hard and ended his day with a closing birdie from two feet after rifling a nine iron approach to within two feet of the pin. The 31-year-old Thai star said, “I have stuck to my game plan the last two rounds and played some solid golf, rolled the ball quite well and got up and down a few times except for 15 and 16 which I’m upset about. However, it was nice to finish with a birdie.”
The leader Redman who is the 2017 U.S. Amateur champion, was at 10-under 203, one shot ahead of Ryan Armour (70), Wyndham Clark (70) and Kramer Hickok (69), who took three putts from a tough spot on the fringe on the 18th at Port Royal.
Another shot behind were Matt Jones (66), Brian Gay (67) and Ollie Schniederjans (69). Jones was bogey-free in the third round, which to him was as impressive as any of his five birdies.
Read also:
Lahiri battles windy conditions to rise to T-12 in Bermuda; Atwal exits
Lahiri gives away first half gains, but cards 3-under 68 and lies 26th
