McGinley four behind leaders after third round

South Africans James Kingston and Darren Fichardt shared the lead going into the final round of the Qatar Masters in Doha today.

But the story of the morning, when a third round delayed by Thursday’s sandstorm had to be completed, was a four-stroke penalty handed out to England’s Phillip Golding.

Lying sixth at the time, Golding was penalised for carrying an extra club in his bag – the same blunder that Ian Woosnam discovered when leading the Open championship two years ago.

The difference this time was that Golding knew he had it. Overnight he had decided to replace a two-iron with a four-iron, but before restarting his round he realised it might not be permitted.

However, instead of taking the four-iron out he merely turned it upside down in the bag to indicate he did not intend using it. But that is not allowed and as he had played the ninth and 10th holes – and birdied them both – he was penalised two strokes at each hole.

The 40-year-old from Luton dropped to 18th place with his 72. Without the penalties he would have been fourth with this afternoon’s last round to go.

Kingston led by four at one stage, but Fichardt birdied four of his last seven holes for a 66 and Kingston finished with a bogey six for a 71.

They were 10 under par, three ahead of Australian Peter Fowler, with Irish Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley one further back with England’s David Howell and another Australian, Richard Green.

Pre-tournament favourite Padraig Harrington was joint 41st of the 54 players who survived the cut at three over after a 76.

The cut itself had caused controversy yesterday. Usually the leading 70 and ties go through, but when 89 players finished on three over or better it was decided to make it only the top 50 and ties so that two more rounds could be fitted in.

Woosnam was among the 35 players affected and there were angry scenes outside the tournament office.

Doha Leaderboard

10 under - James Kingston (Rsa) (after 54 holes)

Darren Fichardt (Rsa) (54)

7 under – Peter Fowler (Aus) (54)

6 under – Paul McGinley (54)

Richard Green (Aus) (54)

David Howell (54)

5 under – David Dixon (54)

John Bickerton (54)

Others:

4 under – Phillip Price (54)

3 over – Padraig Harrington (54)