Viktor Hovland carded a bogey-free round of 64 to secure a three-shot lead heading into Sunday’s finale of the 2021 BMW International Open.
The 23-year old star, who is looking to become the first Norwegian to win on the European Tour, finished his third day at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried with eight birdies, highlighted by four on his final six holes to reach 17 under par.
“Growing up I mainly grew up watching the European Tour every Saturday and Sunday morning, that was my routine,” said Hovland, who is ranked No. 14 in the world.
“We’ve had some runner up finishes in the past and it would be really cool for Norway to get our first win.”
He added: “I’m just trying to stay within myself. Obviously I look at the leaderboard to see where I’m at but instead of trying to force things, I just tell myself at the start of the day that if I just take control of my own game and don’t waste shots here and there, just play smart and trust that I’m doing the right things then I think I should have a really good shot tomorrow.”
Spaniard Jorge Campillo snagged solo second-place with a 67 to reach 14 under, one clear of South African Darren Fichardt (65) and three ahead of overnight leader Niall Kearney (72) of Ireland, and Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger (70).
South African trio Justin Harding (68), Shaun Norris (70) and Daniel van Tonder (65) were at 10 under alongside German amateur Matthias Schmid (69) and England’s Andy Sullivan (69).
2021 BMW International Open
Round-3 Leaderboard: Top-10
Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 3)
1. Viktor Hovland -17 (-8)
2. Jorge Campillo -14 (-5)
3. Darren Fichardt -13 (-7)
4. Niall Kearney -11 (E)
4. Bernd Wiesberger -11 (-2)
6. Daniel van Tonder -10 (-7)
6. Shaun Norris -10 (-2)
6. Justin Harding -10 (-4)
6. Matthias Schmid -10 (-3)
9. Andy Sullivan -10 (-3)
Material from the European Tour Communications was used to compile this report.