Tyrrell Hatton posted a record-tying 61 on the Old Course at St Andrews and will take a one-shot lead into the Sunday’s finale as he seeks to become the first three-time winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The 32-year-old Englishman, who won here in 2016 and 2017, signed for a bogey-free scorecard featuring an eagle and nine birdies, highlighted by six gains in the last seven holes, to match Ross Fisher’s course record at the Home of Golf.
61 (-11)
Tyrrell Hatton ties the course record at St Andrews to lead the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship ????#dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/06LjDcqz5a
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 5, 2024
“I was just taking each hole as it came and just trying to make as many birdies as I could,” said Hatton, who also owns two runner-up finishes in this event.
“I had actually shot ten under here before. I can’t remember if it was 2016, the year that I won.
“So yeah, I really wanted to birdie the last. That’s actually my lowest round on Tour as well. Felt like I was trying harder than I normally would for a putt on the last.
“Good putt and thankfully it went in. It was a cool day.”
Overnight co-leader Nicolas Colsaerts was alone in the second spot on 21 under after an impressive round of 65 at Kingsbarns Golf Links which featured an albatross on the par-5 16th hole.
Using a six iron from 233 yards, the Belgian hammered his second shot to the slope behind the green and watched as his ball rolled back into the cup for a two (-3) score.
???? ALBATROSS ????@NicoColsaerts makes an albatross at the 16th at Kingsbarns! #dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/augYNri4kF
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 5, 2024
Frenchman Tom Vaillant sits in solo third on 19 under following a 64 at Kingsbarns.
Hatton also leads the team event alongside his father Jeff Hatton on 38 under.
“This is the third time I’ve played with my dad in this event. We had not made the cut until now in the team event,” said Hatton.
“I’m sure he’s excited for tomorrow, although a bit scared, and he’ll be pretty tired, I’m sure.
“Four rounds of golf in four days is a lot of work, especially for my dad.
“So yeah, it will be fun. I’m excited to give it my best. I know I’m capable of winning around here, and ultimately I’ll just try my best each time and see how we go.”
Jeff Hatton drains it and Tyrrell can't believe it! ????#dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/phoRGK353N
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 4, 2024
2024 Dunhill Links Championship
Dunhill Links Top 10: 54 Holes
Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 3)
1. Tyrrell Hatton -22 (-11)
2. Nicolas Colsaerts -21 (-7)
3. Tom Vaillant -19 (-8)
4. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen -17 (-11)
5. Tommy Fleetwood -16 (-5)
5. James Ashfield -16 (-5)
7. Haotong Li -15 (-7)
7. Darren Fichardt -15 (-2)
7. Peter Uihlein -15 (-5)
7. David Puig -15 (-9)
7. Matthew Jordan -15 (-9)
7. Jon Rahm -15 (-7)
