Padraig Harrington produced a bogey-free six under par 66 on the Old Course at St. Andrews to ensure he plays the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Padraig Harrington gladly accepts the ‘Shot of the Month’ trophy at the back of the 18th green at St. Andrews but he was totally unaware for what shot. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

The double Dunhill winning Dublin-born Harrington grabbed six birdies to move to six under par and just a stroke inside the third round cut-off mark of five under par.

However Harrington, who has seen his seen his amateur partner J P McManus dropped from the last round, trails a massive 14 shots behind South African Branden Grace who added a 69 at Carnoustie to move four clear of his rivals on 20-under par.

“If were in our own little tournament we would be doing great but Branden Grace is running away with it,” said Harrington who capped his round at the infamous Road Hole par four 17th where he hit a wedge to 15-feet and holed the birdie putt.

“I’m happy with my own score and making the cut, which is never a bad thing but obviously I’m a long way from the leaders.

“But it’s just amazing how the three courses play different each day in what looks like perfect conditions.  Just a subtle wind change, of say 15 degrees, and it makes a whole lot of difference to the golf course.

“Tomorrow, we will wait and see.  I will try to shoot a low one but it really is more of a question of working on the game and shooting a good score to build up for next week now.”

And there was a surprise waiting for Harrington (see photograph) when he was presented with a ‘Shot of the Month’ trophy.

However Harrington had no idea whatsoever of the award or the particular shot.

“So when did I have the ‘Shot of the Month’,” he asked of a European Tour official.