Golf Central

Rumours that Damien McGrane used to be a test pilot for Airfix were conveniently made up for the purpose of enlivening this third round report. Not that the diminutive Irishman could give a monkeys, as he approaches the final day of the tournament with a three-shot lead of Michael Lorenzo-Vera and Oliver Wilson, who both stand at 8-under.

Aussie Scott Strange is 6-under, Kiwi Mark Brown is at 5-under and Markus Brier is one of a group of players on 4-under. The big climbers of the day were Graeme McDowell and David Bransdon, who both rose from tied 29th to tied 9th at 3-under, probably a shot or two shy of really getting in the mix on the final day.

Michael Lorenzo-Vera leads the field by a shot at 8-under and we're warming to the Frenchman, who admitted, after a restless night leading the tournament: 'I might always look super relaxed, but the hands are always shaking'.

Richard Finch and Damien McGrane are a shot shy at 7-under, with Oliver Wilson at 6-under and a quartet including defending champ Markus Brier and Zane Scotland at 4-under.

Those spending the weekend window-shopping at Bluewater or whatever, include Oliver Fisher, Simon Khan and Ted Oh, whose name always raises a wry smile in the office, for no particular reason.

Lucas Glover's putting gave him consecutive scores of 66 and a one shot lead a10-under after the second round of the Verizon Heritage. Hot on his heels are defending champ Boo Weekley at 9-under, Anthony Kim at 8-under and Cliff Kresge, Stephen Ames and Stewart Cink at 7-under.

There are over 30 players within six shots of the top, with InGolfWeTrust  faves Nick Dougherty and Freddie Jacobsen at 5-under and Camilo Villegas at 4-under.

Justin Rose's knackered back caused him to withdraw from the tournament before the second round began, while big names who missed the cut included Ernie Els, Fred Funk and one of our tips for the weekend Zach Johnson. That's the last time The Bet Detective sticks money on him...