Colsaerts celebrates albatross while Hatton ties Old Course record

Nicolas Colsaerts had an amazing albatross two on the par five 16th hole at Kingsbarns to give a massive impetus to his challenge for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and spark a thrilling head-to-head final round duel with Tyrrell Hatton, who is going for a third historic win.

The Belgian hit his second shot at the 565-yard hole, his seventh of the day after starting at the 10th, past the pin where it climbed a steep slope before rolling back and dropping into the hole. Colsaerts did not see the shot finish and had to be told it had gone in.

It took Colsaerts to 20-under-par, four shots ahead, but despite the shock waves from the albatross, Hatton was not fazed and produced a brilliant 11-under-par 61, which tied the Old Course record and was one of the greatest rounds ever seen in the Championship.

Colsaerts finished with a 65 to be on 21-under, one shot behind Hatton, and set up a dramatic final round on the Old Course.

Hatton said: “I have actually shot ten-under-par before, so I knew when I holed the birdie putt on the 17th that it was on. That’s actually my lowest round on tour as well. It was a cool day. I know I'm capable of winning around here.”

It was the fourth albatross in the Alfred Dunhill Links, the previous most famous being Lee Westwood’s on the 9th hole at Kingsbarns in 2003 which led directly to his victory that year.

Colsaerts, who describes himself as a part-time golfer now that he spends time working as a commentator, said: “Obviously it was super special. That 6-iron just came out perfectly. I’m so happy to be here so thanks for giving me an invite six days ago. I'm really happy to get a shot at it.”