Padraig Harrington and Costantino Rocca, two players in desperate search of Ryder Cup points this week, gave themselves the opportunity to collect by moving into a share of the lead after three rounds of the West of Ireland Classic at Galway Bay Golf and Country Club Hotel.
Rocca, the player with the highest profile in the field and a veteran of the last three Ryder Cups, knew going into the week that a win in Ireland and a repeat in Munich next week might just do the trick.
The popular Italian shot a third round of 68 for a 10 under par total of 206 to tie Harrington, who came close to qualifying for the 1997 Ryder Cup but just fell short of the mark.
Harrington also fired a four under par 68 in a stiff wind to ensure a head-to-head battle with Rocca in the final group in the last round.
However Gary Evans, still chasing his first victory after seven years on Tour, is still very much in the frame after a round of 71 left him in third place on 207, with 46 year old Des Smyth aiming to become one of the oldest winners in recent years a further stroke adrift on 208.
Rocca, who eagled the sixth on his way to a share of the lead, admitted: “I have to try to beat the course and the weather tomorrow. I have a good chance and I will try to make it.”
Harrington, who has studiously attempted to avoid all talk of Ryder Cup during the week, joked: “I would prefer a ten shot lead but I’m not complaining. I played the first two rounds with Costantino so he knows what to expect from me and I know what to expect from him.”
Evans, though, has plans to upset the two Ryder Cup hopefuls. He insisted: “I am playing so consistently and eventually consistency pays off. I haven’t put a foot wrong so far. I just need to hole a few putts.”
Andrew Raitt of England produced a superb 66 – despite two closing bogeys – to join the chasing pack on seven under par while Justin Rose set up the opportunity of a decent pay day with a 70 for a tie for 19th place on 214.
