Second-placed Rick Gibson believes a possible change in conditions, specifically wind direction, in The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, will make for an interesting final round at Royal Porthcawl.
The Canadian claimed his maiden title in Switzerland at the Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open earlier this month, and has brought that form with him to Wales, where find himself leading the pursuit of runaway leader Langer, following rounds of 70, 71 and 66.
While Langer might look imposing with an eight-shot lead at the top of the leaderboard going into the final day’s play, Gibson is aware that links golf can cause uncertainty.
“Obviously Bernhard (Langer) is playing extremely well and the rest of us are packed in behind him,” said Gibson. “But links golf has its reputation for a reason, and I understand we're going to get some wind tomorrow. At least that's what people keep telling me.
“We've only had light breezes so far, and Bernhard is the only one who's figured it out. So with some wind tomorrow it's going to be very interesting.”
The only time the 52 year old has played at a Senior Open Championship was in 2012, when he missed the cut.
But after his maiden win a fortnight ago, Gibson can underline his credentials as a contender in the race for the European Senior Tour Order of Merit with a strong finish.
He will join Langer in the final group at 2.45pm on Sunday, and he is looking forward to the occasion.
“It's been a long time since I've had the pleasure of his company,” he said. “I think it was in the World Cup in Capetown, in the early 90s, so it's been a long time.
“He is 14 under par, so that is incredible golf for this course.”
Gibson will be hoping to get off to a better start in his final round after making the only bogey of his third round on the first hole, which preceded six birdies as he moved to six under par.
“I kind of misjudged my first iron shot, and then I hit a bad first putt and three putted,” he said. “But I didn't seem to let it bother me that much, and I came right back with a birdie and then played actually some pretty good golf from there on in.”
