Amateur eyes Euro Tour history
SWEDEN’S Alex Noren has produced a third round 68, for a six-under par total of 207, to lead the Portugal Opent, but an amateur has a chance at history tonight (AEST). .
Last year’s English amateur champion, Ross McGowan, the overnight leader, is in second spot, a shot behind after a 72, with Spain amateur Pablo Martina a further shot adrift in a tie for third.
Martina produced a stunning back nine of 29 for a 66, to catapult from 23rd at the midway stage and give himself a very real chance of becoming the first amateur to win on the European Tour.
The last time he
was in such a challenging position was when he led the Spanish Open three years ago with 17 holes to go, only to slump out of contention with a final-round 74.
“I think I have matured a little bit since then. I was at school then and brought my books with me,” said the 29-year-old who plans to turn professional this (northern) summer.
If he succeeds he will emulate Dr David Sheehan, from Ireland, the last amateur to win a professional event in Europe, the 1962 Jeyes Tournament at Royal Dublin, but that was before the European Tour was created.
Agence France-Presse