Michael Campbell aims to launch the start of the German Octoberfest in style at Gut Lärchenhof by winning his third title on the European Tour this season, the Linde German Masters.
The New Zealander, who began the 2000 campaign with successive wins in the Johnnie Walker Classic and the Heineken Classic, goes into the final round in Cologne with a one stroke lead over Argentinian José Coceres and a cushion of four from 1998 winner Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington.
Campbell and Coceres both carded seven under par rounds of 65 to finish on 197 and 198 respectively, while Montgomerie (66) and Harrington (69) are on 201, 15 under par.
A victory would propel Campbell back into the Volvo Order of Merit race, but he is taking nothing for granted. He said: “I’ve gone out and played and had fun. It’s been like when you go and play with three buddies. You usually got out and score well.
“The most important thing I do is keep in the present time. If I think too far ahead, that’s when I go wrong. I will take each hole as it comes tomorrow and see what happens.”
Campbell added: “Jose is a strong player – a real little grinder. He’s very much in contention, as are the guys three or four shots behind. This is a golf course where, if you get going, you can make birdies and eagles out there.”
Coceres, winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, believes he has reached the same level of performance that he achieved in February – perhaps even better. Like Campbell, though, he does not envisage a two horse race.
The Argentine player, who came home in 30 for his 65, pointed out: “It all points to an exciting finish tomorrow but it is not just about the two of us. Guys like Langer, Montgomerie and Harrington are all very good players and they can be dangerous.”
Harrington, who shared the halfway lead with Campbell, took time to get going but came home in 33 for a 69 which drew him level with Montgomerie, who eagled the 13th but missed short birdie attempts on the final two greens.
That frustrated the Scot who said: “I’m not happy with a 66, not at all. I missed a couple of short putts coming in at 17 and 18 which both went the wrong way. I’ve got my game back in shape so it’s disappointing to shoot 66. That seems to be around par today.
“I felt two 66s (over the weekend) would be good enough but now I need something silly like 62 to win. It’s on if there is no wind and conditions remain the same. I am finding the middle of the club for the first time in a few months and it’s a case of getting the putter working.”
Thomas Björn, winner on the BMW International Open on his last visit to Germany, is one behind Montgomerie and Harrington on 14 under par after a 68 while Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance shot a commendable 66 to be one of five players on 13 under par – one better than Lee Westwood, seeking back to back titles.
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