Paul Casey produced a stunning birdie-eagle finish in a bogey-free round of 64 to take a one-shot lead into the final day of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The 43-year-old, who is currently ranked world no.27, will go in search of his 15th European Tour title after matching the lowest round of the week to get to 15 under par and lead by one from Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.
Brandon Stone is a shot further back on 13 under, with Sergio Garcia five back at ten under par alongside Laurie Canter.
Speaking about his eagle at the 18th, Casey, whose last win on the European Tour came at the Porsche European Open in 2019, said: “It was a perfect club. It always helps when you have a nice number in there. It’s a glorious finish. It’s one of the iconic shots in golf, isn’t it? To have a perfect three-iron in there and finish off with an eagle was pretty cool.
Overall, it was very controlled and enjoyable round of golf. I’m enjoying my golf, and that was an example of it today. I’ve been very fortunate. The strong asset I have in this game is the way I drive it, the length. The game has gone more and more towards length, and I’m fortunate that I’m still able to lean on that strength and compete out here.
“Fifteen European Tour wins would be very cool, as well. I’ve never won in Dubai, so it would be great to get that on my CV, especially given how much Dubai has given to golf, and the European Tour.
For the full Omega Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard, click here.