Masters 2012: Paul Lawrie rues missed third-round putts

Lawrie looks to plot his way back into contention at Augusta

Paul Lawrie was left to rue missing a series of short putts as the Scot went into the final round of the Masters six shots behind leader Peter Hanson.

Lawrie carded a level-par 72 to remain three under par at Augusta.

"Very, very frustrating today as I played really good and missed eight putts inside 10 feet," the 43-year-old Aberdonian said in his website blog.

"Still in a very good position but really should have been quite a few shots less."

Lawrie, who tees off alongside Lee Westwood - the Englishman is one stroke better off - at 1900 BST, will hope the Swedish leader will be unable to match his sizzling third-round 65.

Former world number one Phil Mickelson, eyeing a fourth Green Jacket in nine years, lies menacingly one stroke behind Hanson after the American carded a 66.

So Lawrie, who sits on his own in 10th place, will likely have to reproduce the kind of final-day rally that led to his famous win at the 1999 Open if he is to make the 76th Masters his second major title.

Perhaps more importantly for the Scot, he will be looking to maintain or improve his position to boost his chances of making the European Ryder Cup team.

Meanwhile, Lawrie expressed his admiration for Saturday's playing partner, Bubba Watson, the American having carded a 70 to finish the day three shots off the lead.

"It was good fun, especially seeing how far he carries the ball with driver," added the Scot.

"At 13 today, he hit it up and over the left hand trees and hit 8 iron over the green - he pitched it 335 yards off the tee there.

"I hadn't played with him before so wasn't sure what he'd be like, but he was cool and we chatted all day."

Martin Laird, the only other Scot left in the field, tees off at 1530 with American David Toms.

Laird had a third-round 74 to start the final day nine strokes behind Lawrie.