Golf: Mixed bag for Lee in Scotland

GLENEAGLES - A sloppy finish stalled New Zealand golfer Danny Lee's advance in the Johnnie Walker Championship today.

The 19-year-old bogeyed four of his last nine holes before signing for a third round of even par 72 to leave him with a tournament card of three-under 213.

He retained hopes of a prominent finish, though, and begins the last round overnight (NZT) in a share of 17th place, five shots behind the leader, Sweden's Peter Hedblom.

Hedblom carded a 68 today to move one stroke ahead of Scotland's Paul Lawrie, who posted a 73.

Lee qualified to play on the European Tour after winning the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth in February when he was an 18-year-old amateur.

The tournament at Gleneagles is his first European event since then.

He has spent most of this year playing on the PGA Tour in the United States on sponsors' invitations.

Lee began most promisingly today, pocketing four birdies after 10 holes, but shelled shots at the 11th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes before nabbing a shot back at the last.

- NZPA