Portstewart, Northern Ireland …

American Daniel Im and  Frenchman Benjamin Herbert, and with identical scores of 64 and 67, continue to share the Irish Open lead in moving to 13-under par.

The unlikely duo are not only seeking a first European Tour victory but a place in next fortnight’s Open Championship should they end the $US 7m event among the three leading qualifiers inside the top-1o.

American Daniel Im with scores of 64 and 67 continues to share the Irish Open lead in moving to 13-under par. Image …. www.golfbytourmiss.com

However, the 32-year old Californian-based Im, and competing on the main Tour for a first full season, did not seem all that concerned whether or not he makes his Majors debut.

“You know, I don’t really care (laughing) honestly, I do care”, he said.

“I’ve never played it, so if I don’t play it, whatever. Doesn’t really matter.

“I’m pretty comfortable whatever happens.  I’m pretty chill. No stress. I’m from California. That’s just how it is, isn’t it”.

The 3o-year old Herbert capped his round with three birdies in succession from his third hole and with the Moilets golfer, who won four times on the secondary Challenge Tour, seeking to draw on that experience in securing a maiden victory toast on the main Tour.

“My driving, definitely has been the key as I again hit a lot of fairways,” he said.

“Also my putting, because you need to hole some putts to have so many birdies. I’m very happy with those two part of my game, and I hope it’s going to continue the same this weekend.

“But winning on the Challenge Tour was very nice with very good players, but I think The European Tour and especially Rolex Series are bigger.

“So, I just have to try and continue to do well things that I do and yeah, try to keep the things that I learn on The Challenge Tour to maybe win on this one.”