Joe Dean and Grant Forrest are set to share the lead heading into the final round of the Open de Espana at the Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, sitting one shot clear of the field at 13-under par.
The Scotsman began the third day with a one-shot advantage but saw his lead evaporate after a bogey on the fifth hole. However, he rallied with birdies at the 11th, 14th, and 16th to card a four-under 67.
Forrest, who is chasing his third DP World Tour victory, expressed satisfaction with his resilience despite not playing his best golf.
“I didn’t have my best stuff but I’m really proud of how I dug in and made some nice putts, a couple of good recovery shots, and all in all a decent score again,” Forrest told the European Tour website. “This is one of my favourite tournaments… I’d love nothing more than to go home with a trophy tomorrow.”
Dean, the former delivery driver who claimed his maiden European circuit win at the British Masters, posted a stunning 65. The 32-year-old from Sheffield raced to a three-shot lead after securing birdies on five of his first nine holes, followed by additional stops at the 12th, 14th, and 15th. Although he faltered with a double-bogey on the 16th and a single bogey on the 17th, he closed with a 31-foot birdie putt on the 18th to salvage his round.
“It gave a little bit of hope after those previous two holes,” Dean said. “We’ll go again and see what happens.”
Victor Perez of France and Jacob Skov Olesen of Denmark both also shot 65 to sit at 12-under, one shot back. Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach matched Forrest with a 67, while local hero Angel Ayora, the top Spanish contender, trails by three shots after an even-par 66. Shane Lowry improved with a 67 but remains eight shots off the pace.
Sky Sports Golf will broadcast the final round live from 12pm on Sunday.
Forrest’s comment about digging in really shows his character. That resilience will serve him well in the final round.
Does anyone else think local hero Angel Ayora might surprise everyone? He’s only three back and playing at home.
The tension is palpable! It’s amazing how quickly a one-shot lead can vanish in professional golf.
I’m skeptical about Dean holding it together; he had a wobble on 16 and 17. Forrest looks steadier under pressure.
What a thrill to see Dean and Forrest tied! Sunday’s final round should be absolutely electric in Madrid.