Michael Campbell takes a three stroke lead into the final round of The Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters after a superb five under par 67 at the Marriott Forest of Arden, and immediately credited last year’s champion Barry Lane with his success.
Campbell produced a grandstand finish, chipping in on the last from the back of the green for his fourth successive birdie to move to six under par 210, three clear of the English trio of Brian Davis, David Howell and Steve Webster.
The New Zealander’s 67 was the lowest round of the week and puts him in in the driving seat as he chases his seventh European Tour title.
Campbell’s career is littered with peaks and troughs, from great victories to spells when he can’t seem to make a cut. Once again he has gone full circle, bouncing back from a run at the start of the season where he missed five successive cuts to challenge for the top honours.
He puts that much of that improvement to a few words from his close friend, Lane, during the Qatar Masters in March. After playing together for the first two rounds, Lane pulled him aside and asked what he was doing trying to hit a high draw when his natural game was a low fade.
Lane’s comments hit home and since then, with the help of his coach Jonathan Yarwood and psychologist Nick Hastings, he is now has his first title since the 2003 Nissan Irish Open in his sights.
“I consider myself a pretty good front runner,” said Campbell. “I think the boys chasing me know that as well.”
He has led going into the final round in five of his six titles on The European Tour.
Webster, brimming with confidence after his victory last weekend in Italy, enjoys plenty of support in his home county and gave his fans plenty to cheer about in a two under par 70 to lie just three shots off the pace. Should he go on to win he will become only the second player to win his first two titles in consecutive events, following Fred Couples in the 1995 Dubai Desert Classic and Johnnie Walker Classic.
Webster is another who has been getting plenty of encouragement from his fellow professionals in Qatar, notably Ernie Els who told him once he won once, he would go on to win more.
“I’m hoping he is right,” said Webster. “I feel I am more focused on getting the job done than I was last year and that is why my results have been consistent this year. Hopefully I can continue that tomorrow.”
Howell posted a level par 72 to join Webster on three under par, birdieing the 17th before saving par on the last with a chip and a putt. It was a well timed finish as the Ryder Cup player struggled on the back nine having picked up two shots on the first half.
“I just got on a bad run and lost some momentum,” said Howell. “I had a couple of putts about six feet which could have changed the day but missed them. I would rather be in Michael’s position but three shots round here is nothing on a course like this.”
Davis also struggled on the back nine, coming home in 39 shots for a one over par 73 but Thomas Björn forced himself back into contention with two late birdies in the final two holes to get to two under par and only four off the pace.
