Former Masters champion Ian Woosnam powered his way into a share of the lead at the Travis Perkins Masters after a fine four under par 68 in testing conditions over the Duke’s Course at Woburn Golf Club saw him move to the top of the leaderboard.
The Welshman carded six birdies and two bogeys amidst swirling winds and, at times, driving rain to move from a share of sixth place to a tie for the lead with Switzerland’s Andre Bossert, who produced a stunning 150-yard approach to two feet on the 18thgreen to finish his day with a birdie and join Woosnam on five under.
The Travis Perkins Masters is one of the European Senior Tour’s premium events, and the huge galleries at Woburn are set for a final round treat from a leaderboard bursting with quality.
Woosnam and Bossert will have to play their best stuff to separate themselves from a chasing pack which includes former European Tour champions Peter Fowler and Phillip Golding on four under, with Italian legend Costantino Rocca a shot further back.
Woosnam said: “It was pretty good given the conditions today. It was really tricky out there today with the swirling wind and then the rain came in as well so I am pretty happy with 68 today. I managed my came well today and was very steady – if I can do that again tomorrow then I will have a good chance to win.
“I need to play the same way tomorrow. If I can play my natural game and make a few putts then I will be there or thereabouts come the end of play.”
Having reverted to a long putter after struggling on the greens this season, Woosnam is getting back to doing what he does best.
“I should have the US Senior Open trophy in the cabinet at home to be honest. If I had putted even half decent I would have had a great chance to win there.
“But I have gone back to the long putter recently and I am starting to get used to that again. One issue I am having on the greens is judging the pace because I have been back and forth between America and Europe and the conditions and green speeds are very different, but hopefully I will get it right tomorrow.”
Bossert, meanwhile, is relishing the opportunity to go head to head with a legend of the game in the final round.
“I saw that Woosie was on five under when I was playing the last hole and I did think to myself ‘wouldn’t it be nice to tie Woosie and get the chance to play with him in the final round’. So it was great to be able to hit it in close at the last and make birdie there.
“Woosie is one of the greats and I am sure the crowds will be brilliant out there tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully I can get my first Senior Tour victory.”
