Monday, December 23, 2024

Walsh slips further back as Söderberg pulls further clear in Scandinavian Mixed – Irish Golfer Magazine

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Lauren Walsh struggled to a second successive 75 and headed the wrong way on moving day at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed in Helsingburg.

Having made the cut on the number, two early bogeys were far from ideal for the Castlewarden star, but three birdies before the turn had her making headway up the board. Unfortunately, she couldn’t keep the run going, and four bogeys over her final six holes saw her slip to +1 overall and tied for 68th.

Sebastian Söderberg will take a commanding eight stroke lead into the final round as he goes in search of his second DP World Tour title and a first professional victory on home soil.

The Swede’s maiden DP World Tour success came almost five years ago at the Omega European Masters, but he is in incredible form, recording two runners-up and a third-place finish in his last four starts.

The 33-year-old held a three-stroke lead before starting his third round at Vasatorps Golfklubb, but wasted no time extending that advantage as he carded birdies on the second and third holes.

Two further gains followed on the on the fifth and eight holes as he made the turn four under par for the day. He then birdied the 12th and 13th before dropping his only shot of the tournament thus far on the par three 14th, his short-range putt cruelly lipping out.

He recovered immediately with his seventh birdie of the day on the 15th hole as he signed for a six under par 66 and a 21 under par total.

His nearest challenger is Scotsman Calum Hill on 13 under par, who carded a five under 67 to sit in solo second place.

In a share of third are Ladies European Tour member Alice Hewson, of England, Spaniard Santiago Tarrio and Sweden’s Alexander Björk on 12 under par.

“It was all-around super solid,” said Söderberg afterwards. “A lot of good shots and a lot of good putts, I’ve got nothing to complain about.

“It’s amazing. So many friends and family here. It might not look like I’m taking it all in, but I do. I’ve just been good at staying in my zone and my bubble so far, and that’s what I’ll continue to do tomorrow.

“I spoke to my brother (after the bogey on 14). We were laughing about it because it had to happen eventually. I can’t believe I went so far without a bogey. I brushed it off right away, hit two good shots and a putt on the next.

“I had a pretty good feeling. I didn’t see (the leaderboard) the last six or seven holes, but before that I saw it a little bit.

“Absolutely (I feel pressure). The weather can be like this and then the margins of error are so much smaller. I really have to keep playing good golf. Mistakes are going to happen, but as long as I don’t get rattled and stick to my gameplan, hopefully I’ll do alright.”

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