Chris Wood has positioned himself perfectly to claim his first MENA Golf Tour victory after carding a second consecutive bogey-free round at the Rolear Algarve Classic. The Englishman’s four-under 68 on Wednesday moved him to 11-under-par, one shot clear heading into Thursday’s final round at Amendoeira Golf Resort.
Wood’s flawless 36-hole display has been the story of the tournament, though he admitted Wednesday proved more challenging than his opening effort.
“I didn’t drop a shot all day. It was a bit harder today though,” Wood said. “I said to Lloydy on the third green I wasn’t quite as sharp mentally. That’s the good thing about having him here – we can talk about it and come up with a solution.”
Bristol Bond Pays Dividends
Chris Lloyd, Wood’s caddie and fellow Bristolian, has been instrumental. The pair’s friendship stretches back to their amateur days in Bristol, with Lloyd’s own playing career cut short by injury before transitioning to the bag.
“It’s great to have someone as encouraging as him but also someone you can call a friend,” Wood explained. “The way Lloydy can say things is very commanding, like he’s got your back.”
Scotland’s Aidan O’Hagan sits one shot back at 10-under after posting three-under 69. The 21-year-old, who made headlines Tuesday with a hole-in-one, knows what’s at stake.
“It would be big to win here. It would guarantee going to Egypt and continuing to play golf for the winter, which is the main goal,” O’Hagan said, adding that his best golf comes when he stays relaxed and free.
Tight Leaderboard Sets Up Dramatic Finale
Ireland’s Max Kennedy remains in contention at eight-under following a three-under 69, having made just one bogey across 36 holes. First-round co-leader Aron Zemmer slipped to fourth at seven-under after an even-par 72.
Portugal’s Vasco Alves produced the round of the day with a bogey-free 65 to surge into contention at six-under, while UAE’s Ahmad Skaik made the cut in just his second professional start.
With ten players within five shots of the lead, Thursday’s finale promises a captivating finish. The winner takes home $18,000 from the $100,000 purse and valuable world ranking points.
