Brandon Robinson Thompson is set to take a one-stroke lead into the final day of the Irish Challenge at The K Club.
With eyes on defending his title, the Englishman put on an impressive show, manoeuvring through the course with skill and precision.
Thompson entered the third round just one shot off the lead. However, a stellar bogey-free round of four-under 68 propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, sitting at 13 under par, one shot ahead of overnight leader Joakim Lagergren.
The 31-year-old golfer showed his prowess early in the round, carding an eagle and two birdies on the front nine.
He made the turn at four under par and maintained his composure with nine straight pars on the back nine, placing him in the prime position for the final round.
“I’m very pleased with my round today,” Thompson remarked. “The conditions were tough, and the course was playing tricky at times.
There are so many challenging golf holes out there and you really have to have control of your ball. To come out bogey-free was great.
“The eagle at the third gave me a nice bit of early momentum in tough conditions. The chip checked up beautifully and dropped in the hole.
“It’s tough to play in these conditions because it’s windy and we had a little bit of rain again today. I had to remain patient out there and sometimes rely on my short game to save pars.
“I hit a lot of good chips today which takes the pressure off. I’m hit the ball pretty solid and my putting was good again.”
Last year, Robinson Thompson made a remarkable debut on the Challenge Tour by securing victory at the Irish Challenge, which was held at Headfort Golf Club. He now aims to retain his trophy in County Kildare.
“Having a caddie was really helpful today,” he said. “It was great to have someone to chat to and talk to about other things away from the golf course because it keeps me relaxed.
“I love playing in Ireland and I’m going to enjoy myself out there tomorrow. Hopefully I can get the job done and successfully defend my title.”
Close on his heels, Frenchman Sébastien Gros carded a five-under 67, moving into third place at 11 under par. Scotland’s Ryan Lumsden trails by another shot, standing in fourth place.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Benjamin Follett-Smith, France’s Pierre Pineau, American Aman Gupta, and Swede Björn Åkesson share the fifth spot, each at eight under par.
Local favourite John Murphy sits tied for 11th and leads the race for the Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy.
This prestigious award is given to the leading Irishman, who will also receive an invitation to the Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down later this year.
The final round of the Irish Challenge is set to commence at 8:00 am local time. Robinson Thompson will tee off in the final group alongside Lagergren and Gros at 10:00 am, aiming to clinch his title once more.
