Seve Trophy Captain, Paul McGinley showed the way for his GB & I team members by example with a sizzling 64 to finish within two shots of the lead at eight under par on day three of the KLM Open in Hilversum.
McGinley had commenced his round with a ninth hole bogey but then played the outward nine of the Dutch course in seven under par.
The triple Ryder Cup winning star birdied five birdies in succession from his third hole before sinking a 10-foot putt for eagle at the 18th hole of the course or the 10th of his round.
The last time Paul McGinley won with caddy 'Edinburgh Jimmy' Rae on the bag was when he came from eight back to shoot a 62 and win in 1997 in Austria. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
But McGinley then double bogeyed his 16th hole when he tee shot cannoned off one tree and deep into trouble.
However McGinley birdied his closing two holes with respective putts of 15 feet and 20 feet.
It was the 44-year old McGinley’s lowest round since a similar 64 in the same Dutch event two years, as he also seeks to win for a first since capturing the 2005 season-ending Volvo Masters.
However with a ‘lift-clean-and-place’ rule still in effect McGinley’s round will not be officially recognised as his third lowest.
“Being the Seve Trophy has given me a buzz this week, so today was just fun as this is my kind of golf course,” said McGinley.
“I know too if I had of had more days like today in my career, it would have been some career, and I know now if I can putt like that again I have a chance tomorrow.”
And as McGinley strives to become the third straight over 40-year Race to Dubai winner he reminded everyone that the last time he won with ‘Edinburgh Jimmy’ Rae as caddy was in capturing the 1997 Oki Pro-Am in Austria.
“Edinburgh Jimmy was on the bag in Austria and I was eight shots back and I shot a 62 to win,” said McGinley.
But while one Irish-born ‘Mc’ was delighting Dutch fans, it was reigning U.S. Open champion, Rory McIlroy they had flocked to the course to see.
However there was no real excitement until the 11th hole where McIlroy seized a first birdie before carding a 68 to be at seven under par.
Rory McIlroy will move to No. 3 in the world with KLM Open success. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
If McIlroy does win he will unseat Germany’s Martin Kaymer as World No. 3.
Scotland’s Gary Orr (66), looking for his first Tour success in 11 years, and South African James Kingston (66), head the field at 10-under par.
England’s David Lynn, who used a very special marker to win the 2004 KLM Open, posted a 68 to be in third place on nine under par.
