Monster putt gives McCreadie the edge as he takes pole position in race for PGA title

Published on Saturday 5 July 2008 19:43

JASON McCreadie leads the field heading into the closing round of the £55,000 Gleneagles Scottish PGA championship. The 37-year-old Buchanan Castle pro posted a two-under 71 over the PGA Centenary course for a six-under aggregate of 213 to open up a two shot advantage over Largs' Eddie Thomson.

McCreadie, a two-times Northern Open champion, was sharing top spot with overnight leader Craig Lee playing the 16th but moved to the front with a 20-footer for birdie while his title rival slithered to a bogey.

"I played well today and the putt at the 16th was crucial as it led to a two-shot swing," said McCreadie, a four-time winner on this season's Scottish circuit. "Having won the Northern Open a couple of times I know what it's like to be at the front with a round to go and, hopefully, that experience will stand me in good stead."

Thomson carded a steady 73 to lead the chasing pack on 215, while Lee, two shots ahead at the halfway stage, slipped back into a tie for third with David Orr on 216 after a damaging 76. Chris Doak, the winner of the past four order of merit events on the Tartan Tour, powered back into contention with a championship-best six-under 67 as he kick-started his title challenge.

The 30-year-old, who had made a slow start to his campaign with a 74 and a 76, carved out three birdies and two eagles in a rousing round to move up into a share of fifth on a two-under 217.

"After two poor rounds I just had to go for it," said the Northern Open champion. "Now I'm back in the saddle."