Denmark's Niklas Norgaard has a four-shot cushion heading into the final round of the British Masters after Tyrrell Hatton crashed out of contention.
Hatton began the day with a one-shot lead but ended it 10 adrift following a miserable 76 at The Belfry, where Norgaard carded nine birdies in a brilliant 64 on Saturday, just one off the course record.
Norgaard looked set to enjoy an even bigger lead when he followed a front nine of 33 with birdies at the 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th and 16th to move six shots clear, only to bogey the par-five 17th.
That allowed Thriston Lawrence, who finished fourth in the Open at Royal Troon, to close within three as he birdied the last four holes in a 67, but Norgaard responded superbly to also birdie the 18th and finish 16 under par.
A Dominant Performance
Norgaard's performance was a masterclass in consistency and precision. His driving was accurate, his iron play was sharp, and he putted with confidence. He made birdies on all but three holes on the back nine, showcasing the kind of form that makes him a serious contender for the title.
Norgaard's Putting Prowess
Norgaard's putting was particularly impressive. He sank several long putts, including a 40-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole that extended his lead to six shots. He was confident over the ball, reading the greens well and hitting the putts with conviction. This is a change from his previous performances where he has struggled with his putting, making his recent putting prowess even more notable.
Hatton's Slump
Hatton's day was a stark contrast to Norgaard's. He started the day with a one-shot lead but struggled from the outset. He bogeyed the first hole and then dropped shots on the sixth and ninth, before hitting his drive on the 10th into a bush. He compounded his woes with a triple-bogey seven on the 13th after his drive went out of bounds.
Hatton's performance is a reminder that golf is a game of fine margins. One bad swing can derail a round, and even the best players in the world are not immune to slumps.
The Impact of LIV Golf
Hatton's performance comes after his return to the DP World Tour following his participation in LIV Golf events. He had been banned from the Tour for playing in LIV Golf events without permission. This recent performance might serve as a warning that his transition back to the Tour might not be as smooth as he might have hoped.
Lawrence's Charge
Lawrence's performance was the other highlight of the day. He made a late charge, finishing his round with four consecutive birdies, including a tap-in birdie on the 18th after a stunning approach shot. Lawrence's performance shows that he is a serious contender for the title, and he will be looking to close the gap on Norgaard in the final round.
The Road to the Title
With a four-shot lead, Norgaard is in a strong position to win his first DP World Tour title. However, golf is a fickle game, and anything can happen in the final round. Lawrence will be looking to put pressure on Norgaard, and the other players in the field will be looking to take advantage of any mistakes. The final round promises to be an exciting finish.
The Final Round
The final round of the British Masters is set to be a thrilling contest. Norgaard will be looking to hold on to his lead, but he knows that Lawrence and the other players will be pushing him all the way. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Norgaard can hold on to his lead and claim his maiden DP World Tour title, or if Lawrence or another player can make a late charge and snatch victory from his grasp.
