Darren Clarke is on the rampage. After just seven holes on the third day of the Open, the Dungannon man moved into a share of the lead with the overnight leader Colin Montgomerie on seven-under today.
The 32-year-old opened his account by draining a 30 foot putt for birdie across the second green to move to four-under.
From there he put a string of three birdies together from the fifth. He almost made an eagle at the first par five sixth but his 30 foot putt pulled up agonisingly short. Missed birdie opportunities proved crucial at the ninth as a wayward tee-shot forced him to three putt. However Clarke remains six-under after nine holes and well within tuching distance of the lead.
Paul McGinley started off with a mixed bag but has made progress. The Dubliner birdied the first then bogeyed the third and fourth but got back on level terms by holing a birdie putt of at least 30 feet at the fifth.
He eventually reached the turn in a two-under 33 and is level on the back nine with two holes to play.
In contrast to his compatriots Padraig Harrington is having a poor day. The Dubliner was out in four-over 39, thanks to a bogey sixth at the seventh, and a double-bogey six at the next. He is currently three-over for his round and two-over overall.
Yesterday’s hero, Des Smyth is making quiet progress. He held a 25 footer on the first for birdie to move to four-under and remains so after five holes.