Uihlein Up by Two Dunhill Links Championship


After almost setting an all-time European Tour record of 59 with a 12-under 60 at Kingsbarns Friday, Peter Uihlein shot a 7-under 65 posted a 7-under 65 at the Old Course to forge a two-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

All players in the field were on the Old Course at St. Andrews Saturday after switching between Carnoustie and Kingsbarns in the first two rounds.

Uihlein, a European Tour regular this season with one win in May in Portugal, had five birdies on the front nine to make the turn in 5-under 31. On the home half, the 2010 U.S. Amateur champion from Massachusetts tacked on two birdies and a couple of bogeys in the first five holes, then reeled off three pars before holing out with his second shot for an eagle on the Old Course's par-4 closer.

Not a bad performance for Uihlein's first round on the ancient links. "It's always tough backing up after shooting a low round like I had yesterday at Kingsbarns, but I managed to get off to a great start today with four birdies in a row from the fifth and then to eagle the last was a real bonus," he told reporters.

"And to play the Old Course for a first time was awesome and it's one of the best, if not the best, golf course in the world."

Uihlein stands at 20-under 196, two strokes ahead of Martin Kaymer (63), Richard McEvoy (67), Shane Lowry (64) and Joost Luiten (68). Three back is Richardo Gonzalez, who also shot 63.

Sixteen players are within five shots of the lead. That group includes major champions Ernie Els and Darren Clarke.

Paul Casey matched the Old Course's all-time record with a 10-under 62 to rise into a tie for 25th at 13-under 203.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2013/tournamentid=2013076/leaderboard/index.html.