Irish Close Champion Graeme McDowell is on course to win yet another major title. Yesterday, the Rathmore member disposed of Stuart Kyle and Ciaran McMonagle to book his place in the semi-final of the Carlsberg North of Ireland Championship.

He now meets dark horse Colm Murphy who has been out of the limelight for a few years. The other semi-final will feature former winner Michael Sinclair and Michael Hoey.

McDowell won the Leinster and Irish Youths' titles as well as the Irish Close Championship since returning from his studies at the University of Alabama last month.

Against Spanish Strokeplay Champion McMonagle he swapped holes over the outward run and tuned one up. A winning par at Calamity Corner was crucial and when McMonagle was forced to take a penalty drop at the 17th after putting his third shot to the long 17th into a bush, McDowell, on in two putted out for the match.

A few lessons from Malone professional Michael McGee has got Colm Murphy back on track. The Clandeboye 36-year-old scratch player pushed out Larne soccer captain John McKinstry by 3 and 2 and then ended the run of giant killer Gareth Maybin by one hole. Murphy hit an immaculate five iron to three inches at the 16th to go one up and held out.

Michael Sinclair, the 1997 winner, took 20 holes to beat Chris Moriarty in the third round and then disposed of leading qualifier Andrew McCormick by one hole.

Michael Hoey and Peter Martin swapped holes regularly on the outward run but Hoey took the initiative with a birdie four at the 10th.