The Northern Ireland flag is again atop of the mast in a European Tour but it is not who you think!
Yes, the U.S. Open winning duo of Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy are in contention.
And no, it’s not British Open champion, Darren Clarke who struggled to miss the third round cut by seven shots with a one over tally.
Michael Hoey leads by three with one round to play. (Photo - Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)
The honour of leading the $US 5m ‘Celebration of Links Golf’ into the final round belongs to Belfast’s Michael Hoey.
Hoey continues to surprise even the likes of countrymen McDowell and McIlroy after recording a third straight 66 to move three clear of the field at 18-under par.
After two days of summer like conditions, the third round was back to a bleak autumn day with fog disrupting play for a time at Kingsbarns.
The World 271st ranked Hoey was at Carnoustie posting an eagle and five birdies.
McDowell, who lost in a play-off seven years ago, recorded a third straight 67 and on the Old Course at St. Andrews to be in second place at 15-under par and one clear of last year’s British Open champion, Louis Oosthuizen (69).
Padraig Harrington birdied his closing three holes on the Old Course in a round of 64 to move into a share of fourth place at 13-under par with Rory McIlroy (66), World No. 1 Luke Donald (63) and reigning Irish and KLM Open champion, Simon Dyson (63).
Harrington’s effort was his lowest Race to Dubai round in just on a year since carding the same score on the last day in France and a week prior to the Ryder Cup.
Hoey turned pro in 2002 and a year after capturing the British Amateur title at Prestwick.
But after losing his main Tour card, Hoey competed on the secondary Challenge Tour winning three times, including a third in 2008, to regain full Tour status for 2009.
Hoey took full advantage in capturing the 2009 Estoril Open de Portugal and earlier this year he won the Maderia Islands Open.
And while Hoey’s record makes for good reading in the European Tour ‘Media Guide’ he is one of the under-achievers on the Tour.
McIlroy played alongside Hoey when he was a 12-year old as a member of Belfast’s Shandon Park Golf Club.
“I’ve known Michael for quite a while and he’s a supremely talented player, and always has been,” said
“He was one of the most talented Irish amateurs at the time but it’s surprising he hasn’t won more events on Tour.
“Maybe it’s been a mental thing or what but then it’s good to see him up there and leading.”
McDowell also spent time growing up alongside Hoey and he believes Hoey, once he applies himself to the task, has the talent to win more than just a tournament every other year.
“Michael ended up spending a bit of time with me in Portrush in his early teenage years and Hoey.
“He comes from a very talented golfing family but like Rory said he’s never really kicked on.
“Michael did some great things as Amateur Champion; played great at Loch Lomond one year and had a couple of wins.
“It’s difficult to know where the line is. It’s a fine line between guys who kick on and become the best players in the world and the guys who become journeyman pros.
“But you wouldn’t describe Michael a journeyman pro because he pops up every now and again and wins well.
“He’s the kind of guy with a huge amount of talent that when he applies himself and puts it all together, he’s as good as anyone out here.
“Why does he not have the consistency level? Who knows. But from what I know about him he’s always struck the ball great and he’s talented and you’re never surprised to see gvhim up there.”
