Ireland's Damien McGrane stormed to the top of the leaderboard on the third day of the KLM Open after shooting a seven-under 64, a score matched by his countryman Peter Lawrie who holds a share of second going into the final round.
McGrane might be considered a surprise leader in some parts but the Meath professional has made very steady progress since committing full time to the main tour in recent years. Today's round left the 35-year-old three clear of the chasing pack on 12 under. Lawrie is joined in second by England's Simon Dyson (66) and Jean Francois Remesy (67) from France
"It's great to go out there and play well, tomorrow is another big day for me and I'm hoping for the same again," said McGrane, whose best finish on tour to date was fourth in the St Omer Open in 2003. "I got myself around the lead and pressed on and the birdies kept coming my way.
With four birdies in the last four holes and nine in total after a bogey at the first, McGrane enjoyed one of his best rounds on tour. He also had a good word for his friend Lawrie who, like McGrane, is still searching for his maiden tour win.
"Peter Lawrie is a good friend of mine and it's wonderful for the two of us to be out there and in the position we are. It will be nice to have somebody there that you know very well and play together with often. It's a big day for the both of us," added McGrane, making reference to the fact they will be paired in the final group tomorrow.
"My golf has been improving year in, year out for the last 10 years and the European Tour has been pretty good to me so far. I feel like I'm improving and I've got a point to prove, waiting to crack that nut of the first win."
Come tomorrow Dyson will be a determined character to overcome if either of the Irish duo are to win. "I've dedicated myself a lot better this year," admitted the 28-year-old from York. "I've been working a lot with (psychologist) Jamil Qureshi, I used to get annoyed a lot and it would cost me shots but now you almost wouldn't know if I'd made bogey or missed a short birdie putt."
Paul McGinley worked his way throught the field and will hope to press on for some much needed Ryder Cup points. The Dubliner shot 66 to get to five under and be in a tie for 17th having started the day tied 46th. Gary Murphy is a shot further back after he carded a 70.
