Jeppe Kristian Andersen will take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the Irish Challenge after setting a new course record at Killeen Castle.
The Dane, who started the day two shots off the lead, fired a brilliant seven under par round of 65 to reach 12 under par for the week and move three clear of Frenchman Oihan Guillamoundeguy who occupies solo second on nine under.
Andersen, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, is now in pole position to secure a maiden HotelPlanner Tour win and he was delighted with all facets of his game on day three in Co. Meath.
“It was a good present to give myself,” he said. “I played solid all day, made one mistake, but there was plenty of good stuff.
“I hit it close and holed a few putts. From the fairway, it was doable today, but if you’re off the fairway and with the firm greens, it’s tough.
“I was very patient which was the key. I think that’ll be the plan tomorrow. This course can be very tough if you don’t hit it well off the tee though, so we’ll see.”
Andersen parred his opening hole before reeling off four straight birdies from the second to move into the outright lead for the first time.
The 30-year-old extended his advantage with further gains on the seventh and 12th, before dropping his only shot of the day at the par three 14th. He responded with birdies at the 15th and 17th to extend his lead to three after 54 holes.
Andersen finished 36th on the Road to Mallorca Rankings in his debut HotelPlanner Tour season two years ago, and despite a difficult 2024, is hoping a positive result tomorrow can change his fortunes.
“It would be a huge boost,” he added. “My first year out here in 2023 was tough but I learned a lot, and then last year I played too many tournaments, but also learned a lot.
“This year, because of my category, I have had less starts but that’s helped me perform better. Less golf and maybe a win sometime would be awesome.
“If I can be play well off the tee tomorrow, I think I can do it.”
Ronan Kleu from Switzerland is third on eight under par, with Italian Stefano Mazzoli, England’s Will Enefer and Gabriel Morgan from Chile two shots further back in fourth. Scotsman Craig Howie sits in seventh place on five under par.
The final round of the Irish Challenge gets under way at 7:00am local time tomorrow, with Andersen teeing off alongside Guillamoundeguy and Kleu at 11:34am.
