Paul Lawrie made his own personal slam more difficult by starting his own tournament, but he’s still chasing down the original last leg at Gullane this week.
The Aberdonian’s won three corners of the “Scottish Slam” the Open in Scotland, the Dunhill Links Championship and the Johnnie Walker Championship, leaving just the Scottish to win.
A second successive 67 put him within sight of the lead at Gullane yesterday but once again it was down to a superior tee to green game and he remains frustrated by his putting.
“It felt as if I two-putted every green today, I know I didn’t but just a bit frustrated,” he said. “It’s still a decent score, but when the weather’s like that three-under’s not that great.
“There aren’t many guys shooting three under and having 32, 33 putts, so you’ve just got to get some putts in the hole.”
“I feel as though I should have a chance in this the way I swing it and the way I play. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’d like to win this tournament before I pack in so every year’s the same no matter where it is.”
As for that slam, it’s got a fifth leg now, in just three weeks’ time.
“I haven’t won the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay yet,” he said, referring to his own European Tour event. “I’ve had good success in Scotland and my biggest wins have all been in Scotland, so it would be nice to one day win the Scottish Open but if it doesn’t happen it doesn’t happen. You’ve just got to play your golf and see what happens.”
Russell Knox stayed in touch with a 68 to stand at five-under but the big mover was David Drysdale, who has overhauled his swing at the age 40. Brave, or foolhardy?
“It’s been a struggle,” he admitted after a super 65. “But I wasn’t a world beater, so you want to improve, don’t you?
“How could Tiger Woods improve on what he had in 2000? Yet he went out and sought changes.
“The last two months have been pretty dismal so I hope it’s turned around.
“It’s great to be involved in the weekend here. I’m a local lad, near enough, so it’s a bit special.”
Marc Warren moved up with a 67 and Craig Lee shot a 66 to make the weekend, but there was disappointment for Stephen Gallacher with a 71 in ideal conditions not good enough to make the cut.