Northern Irish eyes smiling as Hoey leads Dunhill

Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey edged clear of the field at the Dunhill Links Championship on Saturday, opening up a three-shot lead heading into the final round.

Hoey shot a 66 at Carnoustie to finish in the clubhouse on 18-under-par, ahead of compatriot Graeme McDowell on 15-under after the former US Open champion carded a 67 at St Andrews.

South Africa's former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen is lurking four shots off the lead after posting a 69 at St Andrews, one ahead of seven golfers on 13-under including world number one Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy.

"Everything went very well today. My short game was unbelievable, the best it's ever been," said Hoey.

"Golf is very mental, you have to accept poor shots. It's great to be in the lead in a really big tournament but there's a long way to go."

A success for Hoey on Sunday would be another fine win for Northern Irish golf, which has enjoyed a string of notable successes in the past two years with Major victories for McDowell, McIlroy and Darren Clarke.

McDowell believes Hoey has the talent to match that elite group even if the 32-year-old has spent much of his career under the radar.

"Michael has always been a very talented player," McDowell said.

"He's a great ball-striker, a great swing. He has always had the talent and won the British Amateur in 2001 before playing on a winning Walker Cup side.

"It's a fine line between guys who go on to become the best in the world and guys who become journeymen pros.

And you wouldn't say Michael is a journeyman, he's popped up twice and won on tour, and won well each time.

"When he applies himself and puts it all together he's as good as anyone out there. Why he doesn't put it together more often, who knows?"

One of the richest tournaments on the European Tour, the Dunhill Links is played over three different courses at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns before Sunday's final round at St Andrews.

AFP