Greg Chalmers is aiming for a strong finish to catch up with leader Padraig Harrington at the ISPS HANDA Senior Open, held at Sunningdale Golf Club. Australian golfer Scott Hend made significant progress in Round 3, moving up 28 spots on the leaderboard with a 6-under 64, tying for eighth place. Chalmers also improved his position with a bogey-free 4-under 66, moving into a tie for fourth place at 8-under, trailing Harrington by five strokes.
Chalmers acknowledged the challenge ahead against Harrington. “He’s obviously very confident at the moment and a world-class player,” said Chalmers. He emphasized that he would need to play exceptional golf to win the Senior British Open.
Chalmers capitalized on Sunningdale’s two par-5 holes on day three, as well as making birdies on the par-4 ninth and par-4 17th. Despite a slow start earlier in the week, he is now poised to surpass his previous best finish in a senior major, which was third place at the 2024 Senior PGA.
Reflecting on his performance, Chalmers stated, “I really didn’t play that well on Monday. I didn’t strike the ball very well at all.” However, after a productive practice session before his round, he managed another 4-under score.
Scott Hend’s impressive round placed him within the top ten despite expressing dissatisfaction with putting on poa annua greens. A win could lead to more opportunities for Hend in the United States’ Champions Tour. “It means I can stay at home a lot more in the States and play the Champions Tour,” Hend remarked about winning the Senior Open.
Cameron Percy fell six places after an even-par 70 to tie for tenth. Meanwhile, Australians Michael Wright (68), Mark Hensby (69), and Steve Allan are tied for thirteenth at 5-under.
