Resolved to put yesterday's horror day behind him, tournament drawcard Graeme McDowell has started the road to Masters redemption by picking up three shots on his overnight score of four-over. The Northern Irishman began his third round almost as strongly as he did his second, rolling in a birdie on the par 5 1st hole that he eagled on Friday.
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Aside from a bogey on the fourth hole, the 2010 US Open winner is in a far better rhythm than on day two, adding four more birdies - offset by a bogey on the 14th - to be three-under for the day through 15 holes. He has three more chances to improve on his score of one-over and at least push towards even with the card heading into the final round.
However it would take a minor miracle for McDowell to threaten the leaders, topped by surprise-packet Queenslander Matthew Guyatt at 10-under.
Of the early groups out on the course this morning, veteran Peter Senior has set the pace, posting four birdies to get back to even par after a round of four-under through 15 holes. Two-time Masters champion Robert Allenby has managed to pick up two shots on his nightmare round from day two, which left him at four-over starting today. He is now two-over through 15 holes, while Australia's newest elevation to the US PGA Tour, Victorian Alistair Presnell, is one shot worse off at three-over having failed to eat into his overnight score after 11 holes today.
The lead pairing of Guyatt and second-placed New Zealander Michael Hendry will begin their round at 1.20pm, 10 minutes after the marquee duo of world No. 5 Adam Scott, third at seven-under, and defending champion Ian Poulter, tied for fourth at five-under.
Scores
-10: Matthew Guyatt (AUS) yet to play
-8: Michael Hendry (NZL) yet to play
-7: Adam Scott (AUS) yet to play
-5: Craig Hancock (AUS) yet to play, Ian Poulter (ENG) yet to play
-4: Matthew Millar (AUS) yet to play, David Bransdon (AUS) yet to play
-3: Paul Gow (AUS) yet to play
-2: Chris Gaunt (AUS) yet to play, Gareth Paddison (NZL) yet to play, Chris Campbell (AUS) yet to play