The Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A is set for a thrilling finale after Bryce Easton claimed a share of the 54-hole lead as he looks to break into the Road to Mallorca top 20.
The Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A is set for a thrilling finale after Bryce Easton claimed a share of the 54-hole lead as he looks to break into the Road to Mallorca top 20.
The South African made five back nine birdies in a round of 66 to move alongside England’s Nathan Kimsey at the top of the leaderboard on seven under par, with both men harbouring different aspirations ahead of the final round.
Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge winner Kimsey is already guaranteed graduation to the DP World Tour but a win at Club de Golf Alcanada would see him become the first English Challenge Tour Number One since Jordan Smith in 2016.
Easton, meanwhile, came into the week in 38th position on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and knew he needed at least a share of third place with no more than one other player to have a chance of earning a spot in the top 20.
“I know what needs to be done but at the same time I’m not really paying any attention to it,” Easton said.
“I’m on a bit of a mission with it to do something a bit different and that’s just doing my own thing. If I’m totally honest, that’s what’s really gone wrong this season, trying a bit too hard to force a result. With the points breakdown being so top-heavy, you need those big weeks. When you get yourself in contention it’s difficult not to think about it.
“What a great place for the family to come. The little guy is loving it. He’s been on the beach, he was out here watching me hit a few putts the other day. It’s busy, there’s a lot going on. It’s not as easy as just getting out the house when you need to but it’s awesome to have them here this week and share this experience with them.”
The three-time Sunshine Tour winner is now handily placed to fight for both his first Challenge Tour title and a spot in the top 20 but he, and Kimsey, will need to hold off a bunched pack of chasers if either are to lift the title on Sunday evening.
“I don’t want to say it was easy but I think the nature of this course and set-up makes it pretty tough anyway,” Kimsey said. “With a little bit less wind and a few of the flags were a little bit friendlier today so it felt like you could give yourself a few more chances.
“It’s just doing the same things. Making sure I commit to the golf shots I want to hit and have patience.”
England’s Matthew Baldwin currently sits one shot back in third place, while Swede Oscar Lengden and Adrien Saddier, of France, are a shot further back in a tie for fourth on five under par.
Another Englishman, John Parry, shares sixth place with Alexander Knappe who would become the first German Challenge Tour Number One if he wins in Port d’Alcúdia.
Scotsman Euan Walker, who is in a tie for eighth with Jeong weon Ko, carded the fifth hole-in-one in the history of the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final when he aced the par three 17th hole.
