By Kevin Murphy
Golfing fever is gripping the nation with an Irish duo right in the mix for the British Open this afternoon.
Padraig Harrington trails his compatriot Paul Dunne by two shots entering the final round of golf’s third major of the year at St Andrews.
A flawless round of 65 from Harrington which included seven birdies and no bogeys leaves him with an excellent chance of claiming a fourth major title.
The Dubliner won back to back British Open’s in 2007 and 2008 and his sensational third round yesterday was absolutely necessary insisted Harrington afterwards.
“I always wanted to shoot 65 on the Sunday of an Open,” he joked before adding: “Today was very, very important.
“This is not a golf course that the leaders tend to come back on, so you really do have to be somewhat there or thereabouts going into (the last day). We’ll have something to play for tomorrow.”
Harrington is a sporting icon in this country and he proved what sportsmanship is all about when asked about his fellow Irishman Paul Dunne.
“I know it’s great to him up there. He is a lovely guy and if is not me, let’s hope it is him.”
"If it is not me let's hope it is him." Padraig Harrington on amateur Paul Dunne Live: http://t.co/NI1sjtGRxI pic.twitter.com/TnAoIoeWbn
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) July 19, 2015