McGirt's in a dream spot

William McGirt has seen more than his share of odd bounces on the mini-tours, one-day tournaments and charity events that make up life for golf's less-elite professionals.

So taking a two-stroke lead into the final round of the US$6.7 million ($8.4m) US PGA Northern Trust Open, which hands out a top prize of US$1.2 million, is something to savour.

"For guys that came through the mini-tours, I think we tend to appreciate things a lot more," 34-year-old McGirt said, after posting a third-round 65 at Riviera Country Club.

"We could be playing for less than our own entry fee every week. So everything that's out here, nothing's taken for granted."

McGirt, whose last victory anywhere came at the 2007 Cabarrus Classic Championship on the low-tier eGolf Tour, leads fellow Americans George McNeill and Charlie Beljan by two shots going into this morning's (Singapore time) final round. - AFP.