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‘Amazing’ Grace has McIlroy in sights

Branden Grace now has Race to Dubai front-runner Rory McIlroy in his sights after leading from start to finish to capture the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews.

Grace, 24 moved to No. 3 on the Race to Dubai courtesy of a final round 70 to win by two strokes with a 22-under par tally. The Pretoria-born Grace captured his fourth Tour event this year and the fifth of his season, after last week winning on the Sunshine Tour at Fancourt.

Grace’s 2012 Race to Dubai earnings are now €2,028, 215 and with eight Race to Dubai events remaining he now trails McIlroy by €785,747.

“Now after this win I am focused on catching Rory and now that I have won and moved into third on the Race to Dubai, first is definitely in my sights,” he said.

“I’ve thought about lifting the trophy standing on that little bridge (Swilcan Bridge) so it’s simply amazing.”

While Grace savours his fifth success this season Pádraig Harrington heads to Villamoura confident of ending a four year victory drought in the Portugal Masters.

Harrington was in a very buoyant mood after weekend scores of 66 and 68 on the famed Old Course at St. Andrews for a share of 39th place.

“I’ve seen a lot of good stuff this week and after three weeks off I certainly got caught between two stools this week,” he said.

“However I feel much better going now to Portugal: “I still have to prepare better by spending more time hitting wedges and less time thinking about my swing.

“But with two months of the season left the big goal is a win and I’m confident I can achieve that.”

And Harrington will have a house guest next week on the Portuguese Alfgarve in coach, Pete Cowen.

Shane Lowry was the next best of the Irish and pleased to drive the green at last and two-putt for birdie in a round of 70 for a nine under par tally.

“It was a great way to finish and I would love to hopefully repeat that here in three years’ time when The Open is back here,” smiled Lowry.

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