Dredge shoots 66 to take third-round lead at Irish Open

ADARE, Ireland -- Bradley Dredge had seven birdies for a 6-under 66 Saturday to take a one-stroke lead after the third round of the Irish Open.

Dredge, who lost to Padraig Harrington in a playoff here last year, overcame a slow start by making six birdies over the last 10 holes to sit at 9-under 207. Richard Finch, who won the New Zealand Open in December, is one shot back after a 65.

Lee Westwood had a tournament-best 64 and held third place, one clear of David Frost (66), Felipe Aguilar (67) and Robert Karlsson (69).

Darren Clarke looked to be putting himself in contention by making four birdies in five holes on the back nine, leaving him two off the lead, but ended with a triple-bogey eight on the last hole for a 72.

He was tied for 17th with Harrington, who had a 70 to sit six strokes off the lead.

Halfway leader Michael Lorenzo-Vera faded with a 75 and dropped to a tie for 23rd.

Dredge finished his second round Friday with four bogeys over the last eight holes for a 73 and began his third round with another bogey. He then came right back with a birdie on the second.

"I suppose it would make amends to win this time. It's tough to lose in a playoff," he said. "At least this time I won't be playing with the home favorite."

Finch barely kept his player's card last year but has taken advantage of his reprieve this season, with three top 10 finishes in addition to his victory in New Zealand.

He had seven birdies without a bogey.

"It was not enjoyable when I was struggling with my game," said Finch, who has not yet played in a major championship.

Westwood birdied four straight holes from the 14th then eagled the last for his 64. Westwood's putting was strong throughout the round, as he holed from 18 feet at the fourth and from 15 feet for an eagle on the seventh.

After dropping a shot at the long 12th, he made four straight birdie putts from the 14th, including from 20 feet on 15 and from 18 feet at the 17th.

On the 548-yard 18th, he hit his second shot to within 12 feet of the flag and then made a downhill putt for his second eagle of the day.

"That was great, very enjoyable but it could have been better because I missed a couple," he said.

Frost birdied six holes without dropping a shot, despite having to three-putt the last hole.

"Maybe nerves got to me," he said.

He had a chip-in from 20 feet and two 15-foot birdies in his round.