Colin Montgomerie maintains a two-shot advantage over the field as the Volvo PGA Championship moves into the final day. Europe’s number one for the past seven seasons, chasing a hat-trick of Volvo PGA Championship titles this week, held firm at 12 under par through 13 holes when play in the third round was suspended at 8.37pm with darkness falling.
Two shots off the lead is Scotland’s Andrew Coltart after picking up two shots in the first 13 holes, together with Australian Richard Green. Lee Westwood, winner of last week’s Deutsche Bank – SAP Open TPC of Europe, and Sergio Garcia both made charges up the field to share fourth place on eight under par.
Westwood fired five birdies in six holes from the turn to move within striking distance as he chases back-to-back wins. When he returns to the course at 7.30am he has the last two holes left to play.
“I’ve got myself into the tournament now,” he said. “I had my doubts when I went back to two under par, ten behind at the time, but I hit some good shots and holed some good putts. No lead is insurmountable because it’s difficult to protect a lead around here.
“It’s going to be a good day tomorrow. There are a lot of good players up there and it is a better forecast. It will be a good Bank Holiday.”
With Montgomerie making no further advances in his first 13 holes after his brilliant 65 yesterday Coltart was able to move a step closer with three birdies and just the one dropped shot on the ninth.
“It’s going all right,” said Coltart. “I thought I would be further behind but I’m not. Encouraging.”
Sergio Garcia also charged up the field to eight under par with three successive birdies from the tenth, a putt for four in succession just coming up a couple of inches short. The Spaniard has five holes of his third round left to play.
He said: “I really got it going. If I can finish at ten under I think I will be in good shape.”
The 36 players still to complete their third rounds will return to the course at 7.30am to resume their rounds. The final round is then expected to get underway before 10am.
