Bernhard Langer shot a bogey-free five-under 65 on Saturday at Royal Porthcawl to take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the Senior Open Championship.
The 59-year-old German is in prime position for his fifth victory in the last 10 major championships with Corey Pavin, who also shot a 65, his nearest pursuer as windy conditions finally relented on Saturday afternoon.
Langer has a record nine senior major titles and won the Regions Tradition and Senior PGA Championship in consecutive weeks in May.
He won by 13 strokes the last time the Senior Open tournament was held on the south Wales course, finishing at 18 under par in 2014, and also won the 2010 renewal at Carnoustie.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Langer said: “There’s a lot of guys waiting for me to fall apart or whatever. So I need to shoot a good round, hopefully under par, depending on the conditions. If I can do that, then I make it difficult for the other guys to catch me.”
Peter Lonard (67) sits in third place, five shots back at even par, and Miguel Angel Jimenez (65), Steve Flesch (71) and Billy Mayfair (71) are one over.
Welshman Philip Price is the best-placed British player, seven shots off the lead on two over after a third round 68 while Colin Montgomerie is one of four players on four over par after a solid 70 on Saturday.
Watch the final round of the Senior Open Championship on Sunday live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage begins from 4.30pm.
