Hole change at the Belfry

The Belfry’s famous 10th hole looked set to play a more pivotal part in the outcome of the Benson & Hedges International Open today.

The tee on the par four, known throughout the world from four Ryder Cup matches, had been moved forward 49 yards, bringing the carry over the water down to 226 yards.

That made it easily within range for every one of the 80 players who had survived the halfway cut, but of the first six players to come to the hole two made par and the other four had bogey fives.

Before last September’s thrilling clash United States captain Curtis Strange went to opposite number Sam Torrance to ensure there was no intention to use the forward tee because his players were unfamiliar with it.

Torrance agreed that only the back tee would be employed all week, but several of the Europeans still went for the green and their attacking policy was instrumental in the nail-biting victory.

The first man to birdie the hole this morning was a member of Torrance’s side - Niclas Fasth. But the Swede had earlier double-bogeyed the fourth and with eight holes to go in his third round he was three over par, 12 adrift of leader Padraig Harrington.

Going best of the early starters was Ireland’s Gary Murphy, 100th on this year’s European Order of Merit.

The 30-year-old made a powerful move through the field, an eagle at the third and birdies on the first, fourth and sixth taking him to two under and joint 13th place. He had started the day in a tie for 59th.