McDowell and Khan share Loch Lomond lead

7/13/2008

Graeme McDowell scored a superb 66 to top The Barclays Scottish Open leaderboard on ten under par alongside Simon Khan going into the final round at Loch Lomond Golf Club.

The Northern Irishman, who has not been over par at any point in his 67-70-66 surge towards a fourth career win on The European Tour, took birdies on both the fourth and fifth holes before picking up another two strokes at the 11th and 12th.

A bogey six followed on the 13th, but an eagle two at the par four 14th and a birdie on the last nullified the effect of a dropped shot at the 17th.
Khan looked equally imperious in joining McDowell at ten under for the tournament, the Englishman collecting strokes at the first and fourth before a bogey six at the sixth temporarily halted his charge.

He recovered to pick up shots at the ninth, 13th and 14th to take the lead, but a dropped shot at the 17th ensured a clubhouse score of 203 and a tie going into the final day.

For McDowell the win would guarantee him a place in Nick Faldo’s side at The Ryder Cup.

McDowell, who "punished himself" by working as an on-course commentator during the last edition of The Ryder Cup at The K Club, added: "I'm trying not to live in the future but it's tough not to.

One place in The Open Championship next week is still up for grabs for the leading non-exempt player - providing they finish in the top five - and Khan admits he is desperate to secure his place at Royal Birkdale.

Australia’s Richard Green, Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez, Jeev Milkha Singh of India, and England’s Ross Fisher are in a four-way tie for third on eight under par, while six players, including World Number Three Adam Scott of Australia, are tied for seventh a shot further back.

Leaderboard – Round 3:

1. Simon Khan                        ENG  69 66 68 203 -10
    Greame McDowell                 NIR  67 70 66 203 -10
3. Ross Fisher                          ENG  68 69 68 205 - 8
    Richard Green                      AUS  67 68 70 205 - 8
    Miguel Angel Jiménez            ESP  68 69 68 205 - 8
    Jeev Milkha Singh                 IND  68 68 69 205 - 8
7. Fredrik Andersson Hed          SWE  70 67 69 206 - 7
    Thonghai Jaidee                   THA  64 71 71 206 - 7
    David Lynn                           ENG  69 67 70 206 - 7
    Ian Poulter                           ENG  69 69 68 206 - 7
    Adam Scott                          AUS  72 66 68 206 - 7
    Lee Westwood                      ENG  67 69 70 206 - 7

Source: European Tour