Miguel Angel Jiménez moved into pole position to take a maiden Senior Major title after a third round of 69 gave him a one-shot lead of the US Senior Open going into the final day.
The Spaniard overcame tough conditions at Scioto Country Club to move to three under par overall, one shot ahead of American Gene Sauers, with former Masters Champion Ian Woosnam two shots further back in a tie for third place.
52 year old Jiménez looked set to break his Major duck at last month’s Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex before faltering on the final afternoon, but he insists he will enjoy himself whatever happens in round four in Ohio.
“Whatever happens, happens,” he said. “Obviously, at the Senior Open in Scotland, I lost that tournament there without playing bad, and here tomorrow we have to play 18 holes, and whatever happens happens. Just keep focused and enjoy yourself. That's the main thing.
“Of course, you have to enjoy yourself, and I enjoy myself. You look at my office – it's a great life, no? That's what I want to do in my life is play golf. I will do what I want to do in my life for a living, and golf is not my job. It's also my hobby.
“Of course, when I finish here, I'm going to have a big fat cigar with a nice glass of wine and enjoy my wife and my family and my people who are here.”
Two-time Masters Champion and three-time Senior Major winner Bernhard Langer is also within range, his one under par round of 69 – with Jiménez, one of only four players to break 70 on day three – putting the German on two over par and in a tie for sixth place.
