Rafa Cabrera Bello is hopeful that his prowess in the wind can help him to a second Rolex Series title on the final day of the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open.
The Spaniard was raised playing golf in the windy conditions of the Canary Islands and has coped admirably with the sometimes gusting breezes over the first three days at The Renaissance Club.
He knows a thing or two about links golf, having won this event in 2017, and after three rounds in the 60s in East Lothian, finds himself just two shots off the lead at five under.
"I love links courses," he said. "I think it brings the most imagination out of every player.
"Normally, I tend to hit it fairly straight. If I miss, I tend to hit it thin and on links courses, if you hit it thin, it will bounce and reach anyway. Those are a few things that can help me, and hey, you always need to putt good.
"Actually didn't know we had three rounds in the 60s but hopefully I can make it four.
"I've been working on the long game a lot this year. I got off to a beautiful start in Abu Dhabi, but since, I haven't really got any finishes that I want. I didn't feel that I deserved it in the fact that I wasn't hitting the ball as good as I wanted.
"I felt a few good things at the JP McManus Pro-Am and a lot of balls have been hit on the range.
"So I'm happy to feel more in control and to be understanding in my golf like that."
Cabrera Bello's 67 on Moving Day was largely fuelled by a remarkable run just after the turn as he went eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie to jump into a share of the lead.
Xander Schauffele ended the day two shots clear of Cabrera Bello, but the 2016 Ryder Cup star will go out alongside the American on the final day.
"I shot one over on the front nine, which I didn't feel was bad," he said.
"You always try to generate momentum. It's not always possible. You for sure need a couple of putts to drop and that happened.
"Maybe that putt on 10 doesn't drop? But today it did and I'm very pleased that I put myself in contention for tomorrow."
