The Canadian Press

Lee Westwood shoots 64 to take 3rd-round lead at Irish Open

Sat May 17, 2:32 PM

By Brian Creighton, The Associated Press

ADARE, Ireland - Lee Westwood birdied four straight holes from the 14th then eagled the last for an 8-under 64 Saturday to take the clubhouse lead in the third round of the Irish Open.

Westwood has a total of 7-under 209, one clear of South Africa's David Frost, who shot 66.

Some 40 players had still to complete their rounds and Westwood's lead was not safe in dead-calm conditions on a course softened by overnight rain.

Halfway leader Michael Lorenzo-Vera was fading after four bogeys over the first eight holes.

Westwood's putting was strong throughout the round, as he holed from 18 feet at the fourth and from 15 feet for an eagle on the seventh.

After dropping a shot at the long 12th, he made four straight birdie putts from the 14th, including from 20 feet on 15 and from 18 feet at the 17th.

On the 548-yard 18th, he hit his second shot to within 12 feet of the flag and then made a downhill putt for his second eagle of the day.

"That was great, very enjoyable but it could have been better because I missed a couple," he said.

Westwood is looking for his first tour victory this year after winning twice in 2007.

"I've had a lot of top 10s but now I want a victory," he said.

Frost birdied six holes without dropping a shot, despite having to three-putt the last hole.

"Maybe nerves got to me," he said.

He had a chip-in from 20 feet and two 15-foot birdies in his round.

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