RIO DE JANEIRO -- Justin Rose of Britain is one round away from winning golf's first gold medal in 112 years.
Rose made two eagles in the opening five holes and shot a 6-under 66 on Saturday to build a one-shot lead over British Open champion Henrik Stenson, who had a 68.
For all the talk about the number of top players who chose not to play in golf's return to the Olympics, the sport couldn't have asked for a better final round. Stenson is the highest-ranked player (No. 5) at Olympic Golf Course. Rose is a former U.S. Open champion at No. 12 in the world.
Rose was at 12-under 201.
Marcus Fraser of Australia, who led after the opening two rounds, shot 72 and was three shots out of the lead. Bubba Watson got back into the mix with a 67, including a bizarre moment when a piece of mud fell off the bottom of his putter. He tried to stop his stroke and couldn't, hitting the 30-foot putt about 6 feet. He was six shots behind.
American Rickie Fowler holed out from 75 yards to complete the front nine in just 29 on his way to a superb 64 -- the second-lowest round of the week after Fraser shot 63 to open the tournament. He is tied for 14th at 3 under and is nine strokes off the lead.
George Lyon of Canada won the last gold medal in 1904.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
