The third round of play is under way at the Irish Open in Fota Island.

Even though the country’s four Major champions, Pádraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy — along with 2009 champion Shane Lowry — are in the field, the Irish Open at Carton House on June 27 continues without a title sponsor this year.

It took 17 years for Pádraig Harrington to return to his favourite golf course in the world and just 18 holes around Royal Portrush to convince him it was a worthy venue for not just an Irish Open but an Open Championship as well.

THEY will not be reduced to a supporting role by any means in today’s third round, but Rory McIlory and Graeme McDowell will start their day trailing the four leading Irishmen in this Irish Open, presented by Discover Ireland, field.