Jon Rahm edges closer to Ballesteros haul at Open de Espana with 65 on day three

Jon Rahm is still on course to win his third acciona Open de Espana title after firing a superb 65 on day three at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

The former World No.1 won this event in 2018 and 2019 and a third title would level the total of European legend Seve Ballesteros.

With six birdies and no bogeys, Rahm reached 16-under-par to lead by one shot from Min Woo Lee. Coming into the third round, he was two shots behind Stephen Gallacher and Paul Waring.

Four of Rahm's birdies came on the back nine including the 18th when he thrilled the fans by driving the green. His playing partner Lee shot a 66 of his own to stay within reach.

Lee, a two-time winner of the DP World Tour, also sunk an important birdie on the 18th hole to stay in contention. He and Rahm will play in the same group for the fourth time in Spain on Sunday.

.@JonRahmpga drives the par four 18th! #AccionaOpen pic.twitter.com/1OfAlMPSd5

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 8, 2022

Gallacher, who could only manage a 1-under-par 70, is three shots behind the former US Open champion along with Louis De Jager, Marc Warren, Eddie Pepperell, Matthieu Pavon and Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

Earlier in the week, Rahm spoke about the Ryder Cup and believes that LIV Golf players should be able to compete in the matches between Europe and America in 2023.

"I’m feeling good. I’d say I wish most of my rounds could be as organised as this one right now. I don’t feel like I did anything special, maybe the up-and-down on 17, but I just played consistent golf, put the ball in play, and the few times I missed the tee shot I was never really out of it," Rahm said.

"I had a shot to the green and I was able to pull it off every time, so only one stressful part on 17 and besides that, there were a lot of good birdie looks and par putts in that.

"Like I said, hopefully, I can play another round like that tomorrow because I felt like I kept going shot by shot and I was six under."

"I think halfway there the Spanish crowd was against me a little bit, but it’s all part of it we are all trying to inspire little kids and play the best golf we can," Lee added.

"It’s awesome, kids back there waving, and the crowds are being awesome, and we’ve just been playing back and forth and it's good for both of us."

(Headline image credit: Getty Images)