Brandon Stone tamed the ‘brutal’ early conditions on day three at Al Mouj Golf to put himself in a strong position heading into the final 36 holes of the Oman Open.
The South African had to play his entire second round on Saturday after high winds brought sandstorms that saw play suspended early on day two.
The wind was blowing again as play resumed, but Stone tackled it in brilliant fashion, carding a very impressive 70 to sit just a shot off the lead.
The three-time European Tour winner has some pedigree in the wind after claiming his first Rolex Series title at last season’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, and was proud of his efforts in Muscat.
‘It’s very challenging out there, the wind is absolutely brutal,’ he said. ‘To sign for a 70 today is something to be very proud of.
‘It’s so tricky out there with the conditions. They made the correct decision yesterday to suspend – the greens were too quick and the ball was just blowing off. The course is in incredible condition, it just shows how brutal this wind is.
‘I’ve managed myself really well this week, had a great strategy. Mikey [caddie] and I said we were going to try and take over the golf course.
‘Guys in the clubhouse might be sat in a dark corner because this golf course can drive you crazy if you let it. I felt as though I managed my emotions very well.
‘Any time you get yourself into contention going into the weekend is fantastic. I’m hoping to build on that and hopefully I can give myself an opportunity going into the final nine on Sunday.’
As many as seven of Stone’s countrymen made the cut, but all find themselves over par. Thomas Aiken is the best of that bunch at two-over for the tournament and two-under through four in round three.
