Paul Lawrie Takes a One Shot Lead Into Sunday at Andalucia

Former Open champions Paul Lawrie hasn’t won a European Tour event since 2002, but all that could change on Sunday as he takes a one shot lead into the final round of the Open de Andalucia.

Lawrie shot his best round of the week thus far on Saturday posting a 65 leaving him at 12-under one shot ahead of Englishmen Kenneth Ferrie and Mark Foster.

It’s been a dazzling week for the Scotsman, who seemed to have faded into obscurity, as he’s made just a single bogey through 54 holes and has gotten up and down every time he’s missed a green in regulation.

With a run like that, it’s no wonder Lawrie is the favourite heading to Sunday at (5-2).

Both Ferrie and Foster sit behind the leader at (4-1) one shot back at 11-under.  Ferrie made a momentous move on Saturday posting a mind boggling 60 in a round that included 9 birdies and an eagle.

Any player coming off a career round should be considered armed and dangerous on Sunday and Ferrie’s no exception as he’s got a wealth of European Tour experience and is obviously playing some fantastic golf.

Foster, meanwhile, has ridden his way into contention via the back nine where he’s made 13 of his 16 birdies on the week making him an obvious threat should he be in, or near, the lead as they make the turn in the final round.

Round one co-leader Johan Edfors bounced back from a lifeless 71 in round two to card a 65 on
Saturday and he now trails Lawrie by just three shots.

The Swede would have been in the tie for second if not for two birdies down the stretch that put a damper on what was a very good round.

What made the round even more impressive, in a sense, was the fact that Edfors only hit four fairways all day.  However impressive that may be, one would think he’ll have to do a lot better off the tee if he’s going to stay with the leaders and contend for victory.  Edfors tees off at (8-1).

The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody put a flagstick on top   - Pete Dye