Pulkkanen goes two clear in Prague

Tapio Pulkkanen will take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the D+D REAL Czech Masters as he aims to secure a maiden European Tour title.

The Finn, who was European Challenge Tour Number One in 2017, carded a six-under-par round of 66 at Albatross Golf Resort to move to thirteen-under-par, two shots clear of Americans Sean Crocker and Johannes Veerman and 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson.
After three birdies on his front nine, Pulkkanen shared the lead at the turn but pulled clear with gains at the 11th, 13th and 16th holes. He recovered from a bogey on 17th on the closing hole, firing his approach to three feet and tapping in for his seventh birdie of the day.
“It was a solid round – better than the first two. A lot of good putts and a lot of good iron shots. Off the tee I was pretty straight today as well, so I’m happy with that," said Pulkkanen.
“I did everything the same, a little bit of a different wind direction today, that helped on the par fives a little bit, but everything else was the same."

Crocker and Veerman are also in search of their first European Tour victories, while Stenson will bid for his 12th title and first win since claiming his maiden Major Championship at Royal Troon five years ago.
Paul Peterson, the winner of this event in 2016, makes up the top five on ten-under-par after his four-under round of 68.
Due to the threat of thunderstorms in the Czech capital on Sunday afternoon, the final round of the D+D REAL Czech Masters will be a two-tee start U-draw, beginning at 07:00 local time.