Langer in command at Carnoustie

Germany’s Bernhard Langer takes a three shot lead into the final day’s play of the British Senior Open at Carnoustie after a third round 69 moved the German clear of this year’s United States Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin.

Langer, chasing a first major success on the Seniors Tour after 7 top-ten finishes, finished on 207 for his first 54 holes.

Langer had started the day tied with Pavin but as the German made hay in the wind, Pavin’s one over par 72 was enough to see the American hold onto second place but with a gap to overcome in the final round if he is to capture a maiden Seniors Tour major.

Two-time US Masters champion Langer had moved to six- under par courtesy of birdies at the first, sixth and 15th holes before a bunkered tee shot at the last cost him a bogey.

”It was a good round of golf again,” said the 2002 Ryder Cup Captain. “I played very solid, and wasn’t in too much trouble for the most part.

Six players finished the day tied for third on two under – five of them American. Fred Funk, Jay Don Blake, Russ Cochran, Larry Mize and Jay Haas were joined by Wales’ former Senior Tour Order of Merit winner and 2006 Ryder Cup captain, Ian Woosnam; while England’s Carl Mason and another American in Gary Hallberg are another shot back on one-under.

Mark Calcavecchia had also briefly threatened the lead. After starting the day two-under, the American had reached 4-under through six holes before bogeys on the 9th and 16th were followed by a quadruple-bogey on the last to drop Calcavecchia back to 2-over for the tournament.

Despite his lead, Langer was understandably wary of Carnoustie’s fearsome reputation.

“I am aware that this golf course is one of the toughest links you will ever play,” he said. “And I am aware that a three-shot lead is nothing if very little around here. I am going to have to play very solidly again in the final round if I am going to lift the trophy.”