In 2007 Pádraig Harrington came from six shots behind to win the Open Championship in Carnoustie, seventeen years on and he has to do it all over again.
A closing birdie moved Harrington to within six shots of KJ Choi heading into the final round of the Senior Open Championship.
Harrington lies in a share of sixth place with Stephen Ames on two-under after a round of 73 which looked to have ended his chances of an Open and Senior Open double at Carnoustie but a late wobble from leader Choi has given him faint hope of a Sunday charge.
Once at eleven-under and nine clear of Harrington, Choi double bogeyed holes 15 and 16 to drop back but he did respond with a closing birdie to lead Richard Green by the minimum on eight-under after a round of 70.
2011 Open champion and 2022 Senior Open winner Darren Clarke put paid to his chances with three successive bogeys on 15, 16 and 17 as he slipped back to one-over with a round of 74 while Peter Lawrie is back on plus six after a 73.
Korean legend Choi is now 54 years of age but enjoyed an excellent professional career on the PGA Tour, winning 8 times, reaching a career high of 5th in the world rankings with his biggest win coming at the 2011 Players Championship.
Choi has top-8 finishes in three of the four men’s major championships including a share of eighth place at the 2007 Open in Carnoustie and he would dearly love to strike gold and win a maiden men’s major here on Sunday.
“It’s a dream come true. Always a player, The Open is very special event. And Carnoustie, you know, in the champions, wow, is very surprised, very special.
“So I try my best to do well. More putting and iron shot is more control as I try to win tomorrow.”
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