MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Jon Rahm fired a brilliant six-under-par 65 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Spanish Open, as he closes in on a third title in his home tournament.
The former world No. 1 carded six birdies in a bogey-free day, edging one stroke clear of playing partner Min Woo Lee of Australia.
The duo both birdied the par-four 18th hole, with Rahm driving the green.
Rahm is hoping to become the first three-time winner of the Spanish Open since Seve Ballesteros 27 years ago.
He is 16-under for the tournament this week.
“I wish most of my rounds could as organized as this one,” Rahm said.
“Hopefully I can play another round like that tomorrow.”
Rahm will play alongside Lee for the fourth straight round as they go head-to-head for the title.
“It’s easy to feed off each other,” Rahm added.
“You know every time one of us is in the fairway there’s going to be a birdie look. You know birdies are coming.”
A group of six players are three shots off the pace in a tie for third, including Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and overnight co-leader Stephen Gallacher.
