K.J. Choi is clinging to a slender one-stroke lead as he heads into the final round of The Senior Open, after an eventful back nine at Carnoustie Golf Links.
The South Korean golf maestro seemed poised to dominate, boasting a comprehensive six-stroke lead by the 14th hole.
However, consecutive double bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes blew the competition wide open, setting the stage for a thrilling finale with just 18 holes to play.
Despite these setbacks, the 54-year-old Choi managed to birdie the final hole, wrapping up a two-under-par round of 70, and maintaining a narrow lead at eight under par. Hot on his heels is Australia’s Richard Green, who trails by just one stroke.
Choi, who achieved his best Major Championship finish with a tie for third at the 2004 Masters Tournament, began the day with a two-shot lead.
His performance early in the round seemed to cement his dominance, as he recorded four consecutive birdies from the third hole.
A dropped shot at the par-four seventh did little to hinder his momentum, as he made the turn at three under, comfortably ahead of his rivals, including his playing partner Stephen Ames, who struggled to match Choi’s pace.
Choi continued his impressive form on the back nine, adding birdies at the 12th and 14th holes to go five under for the day, appearing to have the tournament under control.
However, misfortune struck with poor tee shots on the 15th and 16th holes, resulting in double bogeys that saw his lead shrink. Choi steadied himself with a closing birdie, ensuring he finished the day with a round of 70.
Richard Green, who has a history of strong performances in Senior Majors, continued his fine form at Carnoustie.
The Australian, who tied for fourth at The Open in 2007, shot a four-under 68 on day three, keeping his hopes alive for his first Major title.
India’s Arjun Atwal, a three-time DP World Tour winner, sits in third place at six under par.
Two strokes behind him is Englishman Paul Broadhurst, who sits at four under. Broadhurst, the 2016 Senior Open winner, appeared to be slipping away after being one over through 11 holes but then delivered a spectacular run with an eagle and three birdies in five holes, putting him firmly in contention for his third Senior Major title.
Further down the leaderboard, Argentina’s Angel Cabrera holds fifth place at three under par, while Canadian Stephen Ames and Irishman Pádraig Harrington are tied for sixth at two under.
