Oldcorn aims to outmuscle Iron Man Tinning

Former champion Andrew Oldcorn is among a throng of players within striking distance of leader Steen Tinning (above) as the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship bubbles up to an exciting climax at Stoke by Nayland.

The Scot carded a superb third round 66 to give himself another chance of landing the tournament which he won in 2011 and where he finished runner up in 2012.

Oldcorn, who has never finished lower than eighth in four previous appearances in the PGA Seniors Championship, is also aiming to end a run of second place finishes on the European Senior Tour and is just three shots behind Denmark’s Tinning who is ten under par with ex-Ryder Cup captain Mark James two shots back after a level par 71.

Tinning remains top of a crowded leaderboard thanks to a blemish free 68 embellished with birdies on 14, 16 and 17 although the Iron Man endurance athlete admitted he had struggled.

“I was just hanging in there, I wasn’t playing well something was wrong with my swing but I tweaked it and it clicked into gear in the last four holes,” said the Dane.

“Fitness will be key tomorrow and I think it helps I’ve played four rounds at the USPGA Seniors Championship. I’ve just got to go out tomorrow and do what I’ve been doing all spring which is focus on my game and I know when I play well things can be good.”

Oldcorn (pictured below) is one of a quartet in third alongside Jamie Spence, Chris Williams and Santiago Luna with PGA pro Andrew Murray also in the mix a stroke behind.

“I’m right in there but anyone of 20 guys could win it,” said Oldcorn. “I was pleased with my score but was expecting to be four or five shots behind and was really surprised the guys have been backed up a bit.

“I’ve got myself into position and it will be an interesting final round – it will be a shootout. There’s lots of birdie chances out there but also a lot of danger.”

Oldcorn has been one of the tour’s most consistent performers but admits he’s desperate to get back to winning ways after a string of near misses.

“I’ve finished second seven times on this tour and it’s a habit I’d like to break if I can get the chance. I threw one way in France last October,” he added.

“I know I’m going to be in contention tomorrow. I’ve changed my mentality about this golf course, when I first came I didn’t like it but I’ve got into it now and realised there are some really good holes out there.”

North region based Murray also enjoyed the course and is enjoying being in such illustrious company on the leaderboard.

“It’s a thrill to see my name up on the leaderboard in such a prestigious event,” he said. “I had a couple of wobbles but played well and was paired with Santiago Luna who is a delight to play with. I haven’t played with him for 25 years.

“I’ve been doing a lot of corporate business which is the cornerstone of my work. I tried desperately to get out and hit balls last week but didn’t manage it so it was nice to come here and get into golf mode.

“If you look at the leaderboard, there are PGA champions, former European Tour number ones and it’s littered with Ryder Cup players. I’m just going to out and play, I’m hitting the ball nicely. If we get in the frame down the stretch I’ll get nervous no doubt but I just want to enjoy it.”

For more images from round three click here.