Justin Rose gunning for gold after third round 65

Justin Rose shot a magnificent third round of 65 to lead by one from Open champion Henrik Stenson in Rio.

Rose started the day 4 behind second round leader Marcus Fraser of Australia, but the Brit made a scintillating start with two eagles in his first five holes. Rose backed up his fast start with solid golf on the back nine and leads heading into the final round tomorrow.

Australia’s Fraser had an up and down third round and could never really get the putter firing. despite his average third round he is still in the bronze medal position currently and only two back of Justin Rose.

In second place is the familiar face of Henrik Stenson. The Swede posted an impressive round of 67 which included an eagle at the 5th hole.

With beautiful blue skies the players took advantage of the perfect conditions and posted some impressive scores. American Rickie Fowler carded the best round of his season with an impressive 64, 3-time Major champion Padraig Harrington and Bubba Watson posted a pair of 67’s and Finland’s Mikko Ilonen finished with a 66, all of which remain hopeful of winning a medal tomorrow evening.

Jaco Van Zyl, the man who skipped the Open and PGA Championship to prepare for the Olympics, could suggest his decision was justified after making the second hole-in-one of the tournament at the 8th hole. A moment surely he will never forget. The South African though won’t have a medal round his neck come close of play tomorrow though, as he sits in 39th place, 14 shots off the lead.

Thomas Pieters, who was in the final group and just one off the lead at the start of play, had a round to forget. The Belgian shot a round of 77 that included three double’s and four bogeys. He will need something special to be in with a shout tomorrow.