Christiaan Bezuidenhout extended his lead to five shots but the home heroes also gave the crowds plenty to cheer about on day three of the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation.
Here is everything you need to know from Saturday at Real Club Valderrama.
Bezuidenhout in the driving seat
Facing one of the toughest golf courses in Europe with a host of home favourites on his tail, the South African could have been forgiven for feeling nervous on Saturday afternoon. He showed no signs of nerves, however, carding a third consecutive round in the 60s to open up a five shot lead and increase his chances of a first European Tour win. "Going into Sunday with a five shot lead is definitely nice," he said. "I’ll just keep playing my game and see how I finish up tomorrow. Rahm is a great player, he’s top 15 in the world and he’s a legend in Spain so it will be quite an experience tomorrow." Speaking of Rahm........
Aiming to become the first man to shoot four rounds in the 60s at Valderrama in over 30 years ✍🏻@BezChristiaan #ValderramaMasters pic.twitter.com/TOI7sgbDWe
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 29, 2019
Rahm masters Valderrama at last
The home favourite admitted coming into this week that he had yet to produce his best at Valderrama but he looked very comfortable as he signed for a 67. A bogey after missing the green at the par three 15th was the only blemish on the card as he also made five birdies and moved into a share of second. He will go out in the final group off the back of two closing gains and with a partisan crowd behind him. "I'm confident," he said. "If I can get off to a good start and play as solid a nine holes as I did, I give myself a chance on the back nine."
Back in the mix ✍🏻@JonRahmpga #ValderramaMasters pic.twitter.com/3X1GnX2Yn8
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 29, 2019
Bjørn again
Rahm's 67 on day three was matched by only one other player - 2018 Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn. The Dane is still on the way back from an ankle injury and thought he had missed the cut when three putts gave hime a bogey-bogey finish and a two over par total. The tough conditions brought the field back to him, however, and allowed him to produce what he felt was his best round of golf for a long while. "I haven’t played like that for a long time," he said. "When you get into a round like this when you start making some birdies, you start recognising yourself in that environment, which is probably the hard thing in golf."
Blooming great fashion
Alvaro Quiros has long been one of the biggest characters on the European Tour and at Valderrama he decided to wear an outfit that would give Ian Poulter and Scott Hend a run for their money. He had a shirt and matching shoes adorned with roses that gets a big thumbs up from us, although not everybody was so keen.
I think during the next European Tour committee meeting we are going to have to discuss whether Alvaro Quiros can remain part of it after seeing his outfit today.
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) June 29, 2019
Scott Jammyson
Ever had a break like this? Thought not. These are just for the pros.
Luckiest break of the season? 😱@scottjamieson54 #ValderramaMasters pic.twitter.com/rS5m1XnLkB
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 29, 2019