ST. ANDREWS, Scotland, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A course record 63 on the Old Course at St Andrews Sunday helped Paul Lawrie into a share of the lead with Paul McGinley in the Dunhill Links Championship and brought some golfing sunshine to the weather-affected third round.
Almost 24 hours after he began his third round on Saturday morning, the 1999 British Open champion's 9-under effort represented the best score recorded since the course was lengthened in 1997.
It moved the Scot to 14-under 202 for the tournament. McGinley reached the same figure by shooting a 71 at Carnoustie. The co-leaders were one shot in front of two-time U.S. Open champion Ernie Els, who carded a 68 for 203 at St Andrews, and two ahead of David Howell, whose 69 at Carnoustie moved him to 204.
The one consolation for all players was that they were not required to venture out again in the freezing fog and driving rain, which once more delayed the start of play and interrupted proceedings throughout the day.
Tournament officials decided to concentrate on getting the third round finished Sunday before starting the fourth and final round at St Andrews --- weather permitting --- on Monday morning.
Although cold and wet, Lawrie was delighted with an effort which propelled him from the middle of the field into a share of the top spot.
"I'm pleased with that, obviously, and it was nice to see a few putts going in for me for a change," Lawrie said. "I've played well all year, but I've struggled on the greens. My season has been about regularly taking 33 or 34 putts for 71 or 72."
