Viktor Hovland on brink of landing Norway’s first European Tour win in the BMW International Open

After hitting from a bunker early in his second round he was struggling to get sand from his eyes and the problem just kept getting worse.

He was left with no option but to withdraw and seek medical help.

His next move? He caught a red eye (an expression that probably prompted shuddering) to Munich for this week's BMW International Open at Golf Club Eichenried and with 18 holes to play he's on the brink of a first European Tour victory - not just for himself, but for his nation.

"We've had some runner up finishes in the past," he said after posting a third round 64. "But it would be really cool for Norway to get our first European Tour win."

He's in prime position to achieve that aim, sitting on 17-under 199 for the week, three clear of Jorge Campillo, four ahead of Darren Fichardt, and six clear of Niall Kearney and Bernd Wiesberger.

The 23-year-old is enjoying the German test.

"It's a great course," he said. "If you pull off the shots you can make some eagles and some really easy birdies, but there is water around and if you don't pull the shot off you can easily make a bogey.

"I've pulled off the shots more than I haven't, but even the few times I've hit it into the water I've managed to make some good pars and keep things going. I like to play aggressive and make as many birdies as I can.

"I just try to stay within myself. Obviously, I look at leaderboards to see where I'm at, but instead of trying to force things, I just tell myself at the start of the day just to take control of my own game.

"If I don't waste shots here and there, just play smart, trust that I'm doing the right things, I think I should have a really good shot tomorrow.

"Growing up I mainly watched the European Tour every Saturday and Sunday morning. That was my routine."

This Sunday morning he'll be getting ready to - hopefully - win on the European Tour.

Let's take a closer look at his prospects.

He's been in this position twice before.

In the 2019 Boise Open, during the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, he led by one and ended the week second, one shot back after a closing 68.

Then, at the 2020 Puerto Rico Open, he again led by one and a final round 70 converted the win.

This is just his seventh start in a regular European Tour event. He's so far landed four top 25s and has been getting closer to the first win.

He was in the top 15 all week at last year's BMW PGA Championship, was just one shot back of the lead with 18 holes to play at the same year's DP World Tour Championship, and sixth at this season's Saudi International.

He's leading the field for Strokes Gained Putting this week which is something of a surprise because he's only once before ranked top 10 in that category before (fourth at last year's Dubai Desert Classic).

Nothing has held him back this week - not even landing his ball in the drink.