An enthralling final round awaits at the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy after eight players finished the second day tied for the lead on seven-under-par.

South African Jean Hugo, competing in just his second Staysure Legends Tour event, 2024 Costa Navarino champion Clark Dennis, overnight leader Markus Brier, Ryder Cup star Joakim Haeggman, 2025 Senior Italian Open winner Andrew Marshall, English duo Simon Griffiths and Van Phillips, and Scotsman Doug McGuigan will all begin Saturday level at the top of a tightly-packed leaderboard. Just one shot separating the leading group from Sweden’s Jarmo Sandelin, Mikael Lundberg and Vattanac Legends Champion David Drysdale on six-under.

Doug McGuigan fired the round of the day with a brilliant seven-under-par 65 on The Hills Course to surge into a share of the lead heading into the final round. The Scot, who currently does not hold full playing rights on the Staysure Legends Tour, could secure exempt status for the remainder of this season and all of next year with victory at Costa Navarino.

Among those tied at the top is overnight leader Markus Brier, who remains firmly in contention as he looks to mark the 20th anniversary of his Austrian Open victory with another memorable triumph. The Austrian endured a rollercoaster second round but showed plenty of resilience to retain his place at the summit heading into Saturday’s finale.

With eight players sharing the lead and several more within striking distance, the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy remains finely poised heading into the final round on the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.

Player Reactions

Jean Hugo (-7)

“Pretty pleased. It was tough today. I had a lot of irons off the tee and just kept it in play basically, and it worked well.”

“I got off to a good start this morning and then obviously just hung on a bit towards the end.”

“Both these courses are about keeping it in play. You don’t always have to hit driver. Off the tee it’s more important to keep it in play than trying to attack.”

“Obviously it would mean the world. It’s my first year and only my second event, but there are a lot of great players out here. They’re called legends for a reason.”

Markus Brier (-7)

“It was a very strange round because the first six holes I was really playing nicely.”

“Then I missed an eight-footer for birdie on seven and from then on I kind of lost it. I hit a few really bad shots, lost the ball on nine and for a few holes I couldn’t get the ball anywhere.”

“Luckily I got it back again and I’m still up there.”

“It would be beautiful obviously. To stay in the game for so long and still have a tournament to play for and a win to play for, that’s one of the great things about golf.”

Clark Dennis (-7)

“I got off to a great start today, then it got a little windy and I hit one bad shot that cost me a double.”

“I had a couple of three-putts unfortunately, including on the last.”

“It’s a very unique place. You’ve got four great golf courses here, the hotels are fantastic and if you look out here at the view it’s just amazing.”

“I think it’s our best venue.”

Simon Griffiths (-7)

“I played very nicely again. I shot a couple under, so I’m pretty happy with that.”

“I hit a lot of greens and a lot of fairways. I just didn’t hit it very close, but overall, it was very steady.”

“I still had a three-putt. I think that’s 68 rounds in a row with a three-putt.”

“The run continues.”

Andrew Marshall (-7)

“Very happy. I was happy that it was windy because I play in Norfolk quite a lot.”

“I like to keep the ball low, keep it out of the air and run it on the ground. I think that played into my hands a little bit today.”

“Just fairways and greens. Like yesterday really.”

“I think someone will come from behind with a low one tomorrow.”

Van Phillips (-7)

“I’m happy with the score because I had a tough day today.”

“I scrambled well, chipped well and putted well.”

“It was gusting 10 to 20 miles an hour all day and I’d never played that course in a wind like that before.”

“It was quite unsettling because all of my practice was kind of out the window.”

Doug McGuigan (-7)

“I started off a little bit shaky but then I found what you call the slot.”

“From there I started swinging beautifully and I don’t think I missed a fairway.”

“My middle and short irons were very good today, my distance control was good and my feel on the putter was outstanding.”

“It’s my first time here and we’ve had an excellent time. I’d certainly love to come back again.”

Joakim Haeggman (-7)

“It’s been consistent play today. I started with a bogey on the first and then it was bogey-free from there.”

“I managed to keep the ball in play, which is important around here.”

“I’ve been top ten twice here. I like it here.”

“It’s breezy enough for my game, and this course suits the way I’m striking the ball.”

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