European Amateur: Jose Luis Ballester of Spain takes a two shot lead into final round

June 30, 2023 | by European Golf Association

Jose Luis Ballester ponders a tricky putt in Estonia (European Golf Association photo)

The final round is set up to be a battle between Ballester and his ASU teammate Michael Mjaaseth of Norway who trails by 2

Jose Luis Ballester of Spain has opened a two-shot lead with just 18 holes to play in the 2023 European Amateur Championship in Estonia. Playing in the final group after rounds of 62 (-10) and 66 (-6), the Spaniard continued his excellent form from the get-go in the third round of the 72-hole event that is back on track after being plagued by weather delays. With a birdie on the first and a lip-out for eagle on the par-5 third, Ballester opened a gap to his playing partners, Tiger Christensen of Germany and James Ashfield of Wales. The Arizona State Sun Devil would only relinquish the lead for a few minutes to college teammate Michael Mjaaseth after the Norwegian opened his round with five birdies in the space of seven holes. A one-under-par back-nine wasn't enough for Mjaaseth to keep up with Ballester, who went two better on the inward nine thanks to birdies on Nos. 17 and 18. It should be a fun final day, as the two teammates will be paired together in the final group. Netherland's Jack Ingham was the only other player to reach the 20-under mark in Round three. The Dutch player signed for the day's lowest round from the top 10, a 7-under 65, to tie Mjaaseth. 12 players remain within just five shots of the lead. Daniel Rodrigues (POR), Tiger Christensen (GER), and Mads Laage (DEN) are the closest of the chasing pack. The three players will start the final round together, four shots behind Ballester.

Results: European Amateur

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Jose Luis Ballester	, Spain	1200	62-66-66-73=267
T2	Mads Laage	, Denmark	900	65-67-66-71=269
T2	James Ashfield	, Wales	900	64-64-71-70=269
T4	Jack Bigham	, England	700	65-66-68-71=270
T4	Hugh Foley	, Ireland	700	67-63-70-70=270

View full results for European Amateur

About the European Amateur

The premier championship in Europe, conducted by the European Golf Association, which is comprised of 38 member countries. 72 hole stroke play format. After 54 holes the field is cut to the leading 60 players and ties. The winner earns a spot in the ...

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