Frank Kennedy is leading the charge into the final round of the Euram Bank Open, having posted an impressive five-under-par 65 during the third round at GC Adamstal in Ramsau.
The Englishman, who started the day tied for the overnight lead, showcased a blend of finesse and resilience, particularly highlighting his approach play.
Kennedy’s front nine was nothing short of spectacular. With three birdies and an eagle, he made the turn at five under par.
However, the back nine tested his mettle as he stumbled with three consecutive bogeys.
Demonstrating remarkable composure, Kennedy bounced back with birdies at the 15th, 16th, and 18th, finishing the day 14 under par and two strokes ahead of Italian Pietro Bovari and Austrian Maximilian Steinlechner.
Reflecting on his performance, the 18-year-old Kennedy expressed satisfaction with his game, especially his approach shots.
“I played a lot of good golf today,” Kennedy remarked. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster round, but always nice to finish with a birdie at 18.”
He elaborated on his strong start: “It was a very nice start with birdie, par, eagle on the first three.
I made a few sloppy mistakes after the turn, but a nice save on 14 gave me some momentum, and it was nice to get those birdies back to put me in a good position for tomorrow. My approach play was the best part of my game today.
I had a lot of birdie chances, and I feel like, minus those mistakes, it was very good golf all day.”
Kennedy is in his first professional season after turning pro last year. He’s eagerly anticipating the final round, ready to draw on his amateur experience to secure his first Challenge Tour title.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s my first lead in a pro event since turning pro last year, but I had a few situations where I was leading in amateur golf and I seemed to handle it well, so I’m looking forward to the test.”
Frenchman Martin Couvra and German Veltin Meyer are tied for fourth at 11 under par.
Meanwhile, a quartet of players, including Germans Nicolai Von Dellingshausen and Marc Hammer, Englishman Piers Berrington, and Frenchman Felix Mory, are a shot further back. Mory’s eight-under 62 was the standout round of the day.
As the final round kicks off at 6:55 am local time, all eyes will be on Kennedy, Steinlechner, and Bovari, who are set to tee off at 11:00 am.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at the Euram Bank Open.
