Grace stays out in front

European Tour

Branden Grace will take a four-shot lead into the final round of the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.

Branden Grace will take a four-shot lead into the final round of the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews after moving to 20-under-par.

The South African has led from the opening day when he shot a sensational 60 and while rounds of 67 and 69 haven’t been quite as spectacular he remains out in front.

Playing on the Carnousite course, Grace’s score of three-under par on Saturday was enough to put him four ahead of Dane Thorbjørn Olesen – although he was not too impressed with his performance.

“I didn’t play particularly well. There were loose shots here and there, but this course mentally does it to you,” he told europeantour.com.

“I kept fighting, got it around and finishing with a birdie is a bonus.

“Everybody calls it ‘Car-nasty’ (a name given during the 1999 Open when the rough was some of the thickest ever and a 19 year old Sergio Garcia finished last on 30 over) and it showed you still have to hit good shots.

“I’ve dreamt of picking any trophy up on that bridge on the 18th (at St Andrews), so maybe this time tomorrow it happens.”

Olesen’s round on the Kingsbarns course began promisingly as he completed the first nine in 62, but a bogey on the 11th and a double-bogey on the 17th hampered his charge.

Swedes Fredrik Andersson Hed and Alex Noren are a further shot back on 15-under.

A stunning finish from Stephen Gallacher ensured that he stayed in contention, six shots off the pace. The Scot sank a blind 200m five iron for an eagle on the 17th before birdying the last for a round of 65.

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