Denmark’s Jeff Winther and Germany’s Matti Schmid surged into the lead on Saturday with 65s to reach 14-under at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.
“Lovely day, beautiful weather, good greens – what’s not to like?,” said Winther.
“I’ve found something the last couple of weeks, months, that’s working and I’m just sticking to it. I’m not trying to do anything that I’m not comfortable doing. I’m quite pleased with it. I’ve gotten some help and I’m pleased I took that step.”
Winther’s bogey-free round featured a run of four consecutive birdies from the 4th while Schmid eagled the par-5 14th and bogeyed the par-4 15th.
Schmid is currently 154th in the Race to Dubai Rankings and needs a good result this week.
“I’ve got to keep grinding, I’ve got a few more chances and tomorrow is a big one, but one shot at a time.”
“It started off good, really good. Birdies on the first and second. Just played really good golf.
“Just one bogey, which happens. The rough is really unpredictable here. You get those flier situations.
“I played really solid from tee to green and made some putts too.”
Defending champion and overnight leader Adrian Otaegui of Spain carded a 69 and moved down into third place at 12-under followed in fourth place a shot back by France’s Jeon weon Ko (70).
England’s Richard Mansell (68) is tied in fifth place at 10-under alongside Poland’s Adrain Meronk (66) and Germany’s Nick Bachem (69).
