Penge Takes Four-Shot Lead at Spanish Open

Marco Penge moved into firm control of the Spanish Open on Saturday after the Englishman posted a seven under 64 in the third round at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, taking a four stroke lead into the final day. Penge, who began Saturday with a one shot advantage, went to 16 under par after a run of eight birdies and an aggressive charge that left closest challenger Joel Girrbach of Switzerland at 12 under.

Penge’s surge followed a steady start to the week. He opened with a 66 and added a 67 through the first two rounds before Saturday’s redhot performance. He credited the week as a memorable experience and downplayed the pressure heading into the final round. "Whatever the outcome is, it’s going to be a great experience, great memories for me," Penge said. "Tomorrow doesn’t define anything, it’s just another day, an 18 hole round of golf." He also described a moment of adversity when a wedge broke after he became trapped behind a tree on the second hole, but said he adjusted and continued to score freely.

Girrbach’s position on 12 under left him four shots adrift, while England’s Daniel Brown and former Masters champion Patrick Reed were five behind Penge at 11 under. Tom...