Lucas Herbert admitted he had taken it easy during the 2021 abrdn Scottish Open but it has proved to be the perfect remedy as he surged into contention in North Berwick.
The Australian picked up his second European Tour title at last week's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and decided to travel to Scotland in preparation for the 149th Open Championship, which takes place next week at Royal St George's in Sandwich.
Herbert began the weekend on five under par and bogeyed the second hole for the third day in succession, but he bounced back in sensational style.
Birdies at the fourth, fifth and eighth saw him reach the turn in 34. He added another at the 11th but an eagle-birdie-birdie finish saw him accelerate to 12 under par and take sole fourth on the leaderboard.
However, he was not the only Australian in the top five as Min Woo Lee and Wade Ormsby carded rounds of 65 and 66 respectively to sit one adrift of their compatriot.
Herbert finished fourth in this event last October, despite an eight over 79 on Saturday, and he spoke of his love of links golf at The Renaissance Club.
"Last week was brutal, just trying to sleep and function off the golf course with the lead and once you get on the course it was another beast," Herbert said.
"I didn't really do a hell of a lot Monday or Tuesday. I took it very, very easy, and it would have been pretty easy to kind of look at that and feel like I was under prepared, but then I think it was the perfect preparation for me.
"I feel like the last two days I've been cruising out there and not sort of racking off the tee like it would be very easy to do, especially this is my third week on the road.
"So yeah, it's nice to feel like I made the right decision earlier in the week and it's nice to get back up near the lead.
"I felt like I was almost cruising in third gear and couldn't quite get things to happen and I was watching the boards and everyone seems to be making a bit of a move, and then finish birdie, birdie, right in the tournament and pretty pleasing to finish like that.
"I love it. I think it's one of the most enjoyable parts and best parts is being creative and having to figure out how to hit a shot here or there. You know, just picking different lies and everything like that, like that's what makes links golf so much fun."
