Markus Brier’s dream continues. The Austrian Number One is living out a fantasy week at the BA-CA Golf Open presented by Telekom Austria at his home course, Fontana Golf Club on the outskirts of Vienna, and he continued the fantasy by carding a third round of six under par 66 to take a one shot lead over the only man who looks capable of spoiling the party – England’s Simon Dyson.
Of course, anything can happen over 18 holes at any golf tournament, but it is hard to escape the feeling that this is Brier’s week.
The 38 year old’s performance over the first three rounds has given the impression that the Golfing Gods are looking down him favourably. His opening 65 on Thursday included a hole in one, and he was at it again during round three, holing a pitching wedge from 100 metres on the par four 13th for an eagle two to help him post a 66 and move to 15 under par 198.
Dyson, to his great credit, refused to give up the fight despite Brier’s outstanding form and the fiercely partisan home crowd. The Englishman also played some great golf en route to a third round 67, coming home in four under to ensure that Brier will face a real battle for the title.
The nearest challengers to Brier and Dyson are Denmark’s Søren Hansen and Colin Montgomerie of Scotland on nine under par, which, given the performances of the leading two players, looks to have left them with too much to do during the final round.
Brier said: “I said on the range before playing that anything around level would be good but I think I made all of my up and downs today and then the holed wedge on 13 just kept the momentum going.
“I knew I could hit it past the flag on the 13th because it would come back from four or five metres. Okay, the fact that it went in was a little bit lucky but it was what I wanted to do. It was on the edge – but on the right edge and it was great to see it dropping for eagle.
“It’s going to be kind of like a match play situation tomorrow. Simon is playing really well so we will see who plays best tomorrow. If the wind is strong you don’t know what is going to happen here, but if it is calm then it will be a two horse race.
“It’s always been my goal to win my first European Tour event here at Fontana in front of my family and friends and I think if I can do it would be the best day of my life after the birth of my kids and my wedding day. It’s everything I have worked for and to do it here would gorgeous."
