Choosing the spectacular links of the European Club instead of the big-money European Tour event at Loch Lomond as his preparation for the British Open, Padraig Harrington was going back to his roots. As several hundred spectators streamed down the fairways in his wake, with none of the self-important marshalling which will be in abundance at Carnoustie, it was as if Harrington was going back to his amateur roots.

In fact, if he had signed a few autographs between shots, no one would have been overly surprised.

Except that the expected procession at a tournament, which was staged at a time and at a venue which was tailored to his schedule, never materialised. It might have been that the overwhelming favourite is still searching for his best form, but the credit for turning this low-key championship into a meaningful test for the world number 10 went emphatically to Brendan McGovern.

With the leading groups after the second round forced to play 36 holes yesterday due to Friday's depressing mix of torrential rain and mist, Harrington looked to be in control as he set out with a two-shot advantage, but instead it was McGovern who wrestled the initiative away with some fine golf. The 41-year-old Headfort pro carded a superb fiveunder par 66 to Harrington's 70 to turn the tables and lead by two going into the decisive final round. Admittedly, Pat Ruddy's majestic lay-out had been considerably shortened from its optimum 7,355 yards, yet this was still an outstanding performance.

As the conditions gradually deteriorated with more heavy showers, Harrington would surely apply the necessary pressure in the afternoon, but a resolute McGovern simply wouldn't go away despite a bogey at the opening hole. Harrington quickly drew level with a towering approach and perfect 10-foot birdie putt at the fourth, however, after both players dropped shots at the next, McGovern stepped up to strike a blow at the short sixth and regain his two-shot buffer.

His eight-iron tee shot stopped dead a little more than a foot from the hole for a guaranteed birdie, and possibly feeling the pinch for the first time, Harrington was too aggressive with his long birdie attempt, and he then missed the one back.

With Philip Walton, David Higgins and Noel Fox unable to close the gap in the groups ahead, it was now virtual match=play. McGovern temporarily lost his way with the putter, and the pair were level at five-under-par at the turn, but Harrington bogeyed the 10th, and when McGovern birdied the 12th, the margin was two once again.