Date: September 16, 2012
Author: Bruce Young / iseekgolf.com

Mulroy leads Italian Open, Australians fail to make cut

South African Garth Mulroy will take a one shot lead into the final round of the BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi after a six under par 66. The 2011 Alfred Dunhill Championship winner had seven birdies and only his second bogey of the week in moving to 17 under par at Royal Park I Roveri, but he has a trio of Spaniards hot on his heels. Gonzalo Fernandez-Casta o birdied the last two holes for a 67 to reach 16 under, while Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Pablo Larraz bal are a shot further back after rounds of 65 and 66 respectively. Mulroy, 34, said: I said on the first day the course reminds me a lot of a South African course. The trees and the shape are similar, and the ball goes a little further too. I haven t played well this year. It would be a big thing to win on mainland Europe, especially with the purse here and the two-year exemption. Fernandez-Casta o had seven birdies and four bogeys two from hitting his ball in the water but the highlight was undoubtedly a 70 foot eagle putt at the long eighth. I played well but I had a few unforced errors which cost me a few shots, said the five-time European Tour winner. But two birdies to finish on the last two holes has put me back in contention and I m in a great position for tomorrow. It’s not going to be an easy task. There are a lot of players within four shots, and this is one of those courses where you can go really low if you have a good day. Ryder Cup players Nicolas Colsaerts and Martin Kaymer remain in contention on 13 under, alongside home favourite Matteo Manassero, overnight leader Richard Bland, Welshman Phillip Price and Frenchman Gr gory Bourdy. No Australians made the cut. LIVE SCOREBOARD