Marco Penge four shots clear after 54 holes

Marco Penge started the day with a one shot lead and signed for a 7-under 64 having made one early bogey to reach 16-under and take a four-shot lead into the final day at the Open de España presented by Madrid.

“I was just trying to go as low as I could,” said the Englishman. “I’ve learnt in the past that when you’re leading, you can’t just… not play steady, that’s not the right word, but you’ve got to be going forward because everyone else will catch you up. It was nice to prove to myself that I can do it.

“Whatever the outcome is, it’s going to be a great experience, great memories for me. I just love playing golf, I love competing, I love playing in front of big crowds like we have here. I love to challenge myself, whether that’s good or bad.

“So tomorrow’s just another day for me, tomorrow doesn’t define anything, it’s just another day, an 18-hole round of golf. Whatever happens, happens, it’s not the end of the world, I’ve still got my family at home and all that stuff so I’m lucky.”

Penge had a tricky start when he broke his wedge getting out from behind a tree at the second hole but managed to save par.

“My ball was just behind the tree, I didn’t really have a follow-through – I knew it was going to break. I kind of picked a club I didn’t think I was going to need the rest of the way, just made sure not to hit my hand on the tree and… yeah, poor pitching wedge.”

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Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach fired six birdies and two bogeys to sign for a 67 and stay in second place at 12-under.

England’s Daniel Brown also made two bogeys for his 67 and a share of third place at 11-under alongside American Patrick Reed whose own 67 was bogey-free.

Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin lies in fifth place at 10-under having made two bogeys to also close with a 67.

Related: Magical Madeira: Golf and Experiences That Exceed Expectations

Golf in Madeira is beyond a treat; with superb courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the legendary Seve Ballesteros, paired with the island’s easy-going vibe, the Portuguese archipelago is the kind of place you’ll want to book time and time again.

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