Golf

James Morrison two clear going into final round in Munich

Michael Hoey’s 71 leaves him five shots off leader at BMW International

England’s James Morrison gestures towards the crowd on the 18th green during the third round of the BMW International Open at the Eichenried Golf Club in Munich. Photo: Paul Thomas/Getty Images
Sun Jun 28 2015 - 02:43

Surrey's James Morrison knows he has to maintain his consistent low scoring this week to stand a chance of winning his second European Tour title in six weeks.

The 30-year-old has not shot less than five under in all three rounds at the BMW International Open in Munich, something none of his nearest rivals have managed, and a second 67 of the week gave him a two-stroke lead heading into the final day.

But with scoring good around Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, last month’s Open de Espana winner accepts he will have to improve on his 16 under total if he is to close out victory on Sunday.

“The scoring has always been low here over the years so you have just got to keep going low and keep making birdies,” he said.

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“Tomorrow I’ll try to draw on Spain’s good vibes and see what happens.

“I’m not playing much different than I’ve done in the last probably year or so but golf is a funny game and the margins are so fine.

“Every part of my game is coming together and it’s coming together at the right time.”

Morrison shot six birdies but only his second bogey in 54 holes at the last, where his approach from the rough over a grandstand struck a female marshal on the arm, meant he dropped a shot closer to Northumberland's Chris Paisley, with whom he will go out with in the final pair.

Paisley carded seven birdies in nine holes from the third to sign for a 66 and move to 14 under, one ahead of Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee.

“I’m proud of how I kind of kept moving forward. It’s the first time I’ve been in such a good position in a European Tour event,” said Paisley, a qualifying school graduate.

“I didn’t get defensive. I didn’t start to worry about where I was. I just kept playing and trying to make birdies.”

Michael Hoey is five shots off the leader after he carded a one-under 71 to move to 11 under.

Shane Lowry made ground as a three-under 69 moved the Offaly golfer eight under.

Damien McGrane and Darren Clarke are both on six under after they also carded 69s, but Peter Lawrie (77 for two under) and Kevin Phelan (76 for one under) slipped back to the rear of the field.