Paul McGinley produced his lowest round in seven months to burst into contention on day three of the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea.

Paul McGinley posts best score in seven months. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)

The triple Ryder Cup winning Irishman posted seven birdies in a round of 65 to hand McGinley a seven under par tally after three days on the Blackstone course in suburban Seoul.

It is McGinley’s lowest score since carding a 64 on day three of last year’s KLM Open in Hollland.

“I got a start as I was five under par after six holes and that’s a dream start to any round,” he said.

“I don’t think I have ever started a round like that before.

“So my start was the key and the difference between shooting a 70 and a 65 and from there on in it was just solid and I managed to make a couple of birdies coming in.

“I didn’t struggle for par on any holes so that made the birdie putts easier.”

McGinley had been first out in the morning and while not wanting the leaders to distance themselves too much, he was just delighted to be playing well again.

And helping McGinley get the yardage spot on was former Tour player, Simon Hurd who is filling in this week as caddy for the Dubliner.

Now McGinley, who was third behind fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell in the inaugural Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, is looking to back up superb third day score with a similar effort tomorrow.

“The Ballantine’s Championship has been a good tournament to me and I also enjoy this golf course so that is one of the reasons why I made the effort to come out here,” McGinley added.