Two-time champion Carl Mason surged into contention for a hat-trick of De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship titles with a third round 67 at Slaley Hall.
On a day when heavy fog again cloaked the Hunting Course, forcing a delay of more than four hours, Mason's five under par score put clear daylight between himself and his nearest challengers going into the final round on Sunday.
Mason previously lifted the PGA Seniors crown in 2004 & 07 and his hopes of a third look promising after he opened up a three shot lead over Gordon Brand Junior and South Africa's Christopher Williams who carded 71s. Brand Junior's challenge suffered a late blow with a double-bogey, bogey finish on eight and nine (his 17th and 18th holes).
Mason also bogeyed his last hole (the ninth) but was delighted with his putting which yielded an eagle and five birdies to counter his two bogeys.
"It was very enjoyable, I putted beautifully," said Mason who is the record money winner on the European Senior Tour with earnings of more than £1.25million.
"In fact I'm amazed that we even played 18 holes to be honest because at one point we didn't look like we were going to get any golf in at all."
Mason' believes his hopes of landing a 21st senior title - and a first of the season - have been boosted by a return to form with the putter.
"I have not been putting well for me because I know I am a good putter but as soon as you start rolling some putts in you feel better and everything gets better because you're not thinking about the putts," said Mason who won the Northumberland Seniors Classic of Slaley Hall's Priestman Course in 2005.
Scotland's John Chillas and halfway leader Angel Franco are tied fourth at two under par - four shots off the lead - while PGA Cup player George Ryall, playing alongside former Masters champion Ian Woosnam, matched him with a one under par 71 to share 17th place.
Ryall, who has set a long-term goal to become a regular on the senior circuit, is targeting a top 10 finish and revealed it had been a privilege to play with the former world number one.
"I've never played with him before but he was good company, lovely to play with and I think he inspired me," said Ryall.
"He's struggling with his back a bit but he still hit some world class shots out there - just incredible.
"I played really well too, was solid and gave myself chances on nearly every hole," added Ryall who had back-to-back birdies on 11 and 12 before giving a shot back on the 13th.
Kinross's Garry Harvey also fired a 71 and is in a share of 34th place at five over par while Phil Harrison (Wildwood) was a stroke further behind with a level par 72.
Defending champion Gordon J Brand posted a 72.
27 June, 2009