Joe Dean saves round with big birdie and shares Spanish Open lead with Grant Forrest

Madrid (AP) — English golfer Joe Dean made eight birdies in 15 holes at the Spanish Open, then recovered from a two-hole slump to finish with a 30-foot birdie putt, ending the round at 6-under 65. This secured a share of the lead with Scotland's Grant Forrest, who also posted a 67. The pair were one shot ahead of Victor Perez, Joel Girrbach and Jacob Skov Olesen heading into the final round.

Dean had claimed his first European title just six weeks prior at the British Masters. A victory on Sunday would place him in the top 10 of the Race to Dubai, likely securing him a PGA Tour card for 2027. Despite a rough stretch on the par-4 16th and par-3 17th holes, Dean's final birdie provided a glimmer of hope.