They say the cream rises to the top, and that was the case with Paul McGinley moving into a commanding lead after the third day of the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship at Westport today.
The tournament favourite literally weathered the storms of two closing double bogeys on day one, tamed ‘horrific conditions’ with the only sub par round yesterday, and today eased into his stride with an eight-under par 65 to lead by three shots on six-under.
"I’m pleased to have opened up a three shot lead," said McGinley who covered the front nine in 31 with a run of four birdies from the fourth followed by another at the ninth to stay ahead of Ashbourne’s John Dwyer (70) in second.
McGinley went on to convert further birdies at the short 14th and made back-to-back birdies at the 16th and 17th but still erred on the side of caution when asked about going on to win the event:
"It’s not over yet, the fat lady still hasn’t sung," said the 34-year-old who will be watching tomorrow’s weather forecast with interest. "Conditions are supposed to be horrific tomorrow and that could change the situation."
McGinley’s 65 was the low round of the day but Connemara club pro Hughie O’Neill came close with a 66 during the early part of the day to climb to one-over.
"Less wind was a big factor out there today, it made the course rather easier," said McGinley acknowledging the course still measured a lot shorter after the PGA officials left the tees forward because of the near impossible conditions on the first two days.
Dwyer, who shared the overnight lead with Templepatrick’s Eamon Logue, enjoyed an eagle at the 12th and a birdie at the 16th in his three-under round. Philip Walton was a shot further back in third after the four times National champion birdied three of the last four holes to complete his five-under round of 68.
Logue dropped back to five-over with a second consecutive 78, most of the damage coming from a nine at the 14th where the 39-year-old took four to get out of a bunker.
Des Smyth, 49, will struggle to successfully defend his title, the veteran could only manage a level par 73 to remain on two-over, eight shots adrift.
Damien McGrane (70) and Damian Mooney (68), two players who have dominated much of the domestic scene in recent times, will believe they are still within striking distance. McGrane finished on one-under while Mooney was one shot back on level par.