News All Articles
Omega European Masters - day three digest
News

Omega European Masters - day three digest

Paul Casey's birdie blitz put him in front, Rafa Cabrera Bello made a huge decision and Beat The Pro unearths a future star.

Everything you need to know from Moving Day at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

Crans Montana-2293536932

Casey enjoys fierce front nine

Paul Casey, who is now a Switzerland resident, surged into the lead thanks to a brilliant front nine of 29 in Crans Montana. The Englishman parred the first two holes before birdieing six of the next seven to climb up to 15 under and earn a two-shot lead. Scoring stalled as he traded shots at the 14th and 15th before finishing with a closing birdie to sit three clear at 16 under. Casey said: "There was so much (to enjoy), maybe saving some of them pars coming in late, but birdie on 18 though, that was the highlight of the day with the great Swiss crowd. I love this place, I really do, so it's a wonderful day. This is now home. I now live in Switzerland, so it would mean an awful lot. It feels like a home week for me."

Cabrera Bello's big decision

Rafa Cabrera Bello was one of the stories of the week after his clubs failed to make it to Crans Montana. The Spaniard used a mixture of a member's bag and Adam Scott's 2021 clubs during his first two rounds, carding 66-65. His bag arrived ahead of Saturday's third round and the 42-year-old revealed whether he would stick with what has got him into contention or go against superstition and switch to his trusty clubs. Starting Moving Day four off the lead, Cabrera Bello signed for a 69 to sit six adrift of Casey, but what did he decide?

Take a bow, Diego Bustamante

It was the Beat The Pro challenge at the par-three eighth and 12-year-old Diego Bustamante showed why he could be one to watch in the future after his brilliant effort. Bustamante plays off a handicap of four, but his swing and confidence looked like he was already a professional. He then beat home favourite Joel Girrbach and Shubhankar Sharma in the closest to the pin challenge, with his yellow ball coming pretty close to a hole-in-one. It was by far the loudest cheer of the day and Bustamante had a huge grin to celebrate the moment. Bravo, Diego!

Casey feeling chipper after Beat The Pro defeat

Casey lost to a 12-year-old on the Beat The Pro challenge as his tee-shot into the eighth landed just off the green and nestled into the rough. He certainly made amends by chipping in for birdie with a belly wedge.

Steinlechner sticks one close in flawless round

Maximilian Steinlechner carded a flawless 63 to sit in a tie for second at 13 under. Here is the pick of his seven birdies, at the penultimate hole, on Moving Day.

Read next