Söderberg moves eight shots clear in Sweden

Stimpmeter · June 8, 2024, 5:45pm

Sebastian Söderberg will take a commanding eight-shot lead into the final round of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed after stretching his advantage at the top of the leaderboard with a stunning 66 on Saturday.

The Swede treated his home crowd to an approach-play masterclass on day three as he made seven birdies and a single bogey to head into Sunday’s fourth round on 21 under par.

The 33-year-old is enjoying a fine run of form, having finished second, second and third, and made the cut at the US PGA Championship in his last four starts.

He went into the third round at Vasatorps Golfklubb three shots ahead of nearest challenger Scott Jamieson after posting opening rounds of 63 and 66 on Thursday and Friday respectively.

And he kept his foot firmly on the gas in wet and windy conditions on Moving Day as he followed up four birdies on the front nine with three birdies and one bogey down the stretch to sit in a strong position to claim his second DP World Tour title.

Scotland’s Calum Hill was Söderberg’s nearest challenger on 13 under after mixing eight birdies with three bogeys to sign for a 67.

South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli shared 19th position on eight under after carding 72.

England’s Alice Hewson was the leading Ladies European Tour player after three rounds, another shot back on 12 under alongside home favourite Alexander Björk and Spain’s Santiago Tarrio, with this week’s event seeing men and women playing in the same groups for one prize fund and one trophy.

Söderberg kicked off his third round with a par before almost holing his tee-shot at the short 2nd as he took dead aim.

After having to settle for a birdie there, he picked up another shot from close range on the par-five 3rd to move to 17 under.

He made his third birdie from seven feet on the 6th hole before producing one of the shots of the day from the right rough at the 8th to set up a five-foot birdie and move seven strokes clear.

Söderberg received a timely reminder that he is not yet home and dry as he got into trouble off the 9th tee, finding his ball plugged near a stone wall.

But he managed to escape with a par and took a six-shot lead to the turn.

The home hope reached double figures under par with a curling 14-foot birdie putt at the 12th before tapping in for another gain on the 13th to get to 21 under.

He dropped his first shot of the week on the par-three 14th after his par putt lipped out, but bounced straight back with a nine-foot birdie on the next.

Söderberg closed his round with three successive pars to put the finishing touches to his 66.

“It was all-around super solid,” he said. “Still a lot of good shots and a lot of good putts, so I’ve got nothing to complain about.

“I’ve got so many friends and family here. It might not look like I’m taking it all in but I do. I’ve just been good at staying in my zone, my bubble so far.

“And that’s what I’ve got to continue to do tomorrow.”

When asked if he feels any pressure ahead of the final round, Söderberg added: “Absolutely. The weather can be like this [heavy rain] and the margins are just so much smaller.

“So I’ve really got to keep playing good golf. Mistakes are going to happen but as long as I don’t get rattled and just stick to my game plan, hopefully I’ll be all right.”

– Edited report from DP World website

Photo: Luke Walker/Getty Images

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