It's been a fairytale story so far, and will it have an ending fitting of Disney?
Do you know who Johnny Goodman was? No, not a lounge singer, but the last amateur to win a major golf championship, back in 1933.
That's what Paul Dunne is aiming to do today, as he shares the lead on 12 under par with South African Louis Oosthuizen and Australian Jason Day going into the final round of the Open Championship at St Andrews.
Who is Paul Dunne?
The 22 year old is from Greystones in County Wicklow. He's been a top college golfer in the USA, having recently graduated in Finance from the University of Alabama, where Graeme McDowell cut his teeth. He went to Blackrock College before that. He is a former Irish Boys Champion and his coach, Alan Murray, is on his bag this week. He is hoping to play in the Amateur 'Ryder Cup', the Walker Cup, later this year before turning professional.
Paul Dunne has carded rounds of 69,69 and 66 to get into this position. What has been so impressive about him so far is his demeanour on the course. He doesn't get ruffled. Nerves are there, but he has been able to manage them. His game is steady. He's only made 2 bogeys all week. If he can repeat the composure he showed on the toughest hole on the course, the 17th yesterday, then he is capable of posting a score and letting the chips fall. If he did win, it would be global news, but he wouldn't receive a penny of the £1.1 million prize. However, the claret jug is far more important than that.
It's also great to see Padraig Harrington right in contention for a third Open title from 10 under par. Padraig has a real chance to win because he thrives in these situations and can raise his game to another level. The 2007 and 2008 champion will also be well equipped to cope with the windy conditions that are set to greet the final groups from around 4pm onwards.
Of the others, Oosthuizen's swing is bombproof and his only major was at St Andrews 5 years ago, so he has obvious claims. Day is arguably the best player in the game without a major.
21 year old American Jordan Spieth is only 1 shot off the lead on 11 under, and a third straight major win to follow his stupendous victories at the Masters and US Open would be phenomenal. He is certainly putting like Tiger Woods in his prime right now and his course management is close to perfection.
Don't rule out any of the 9 players that are 3 shots back on 9 under. This pack includes major winners Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Zach Johnson and Retief Goosen, plus perennial bridesmaid Sergio Garcia. A 64 or a 65 is certainly capable from one of these golfers, and that could be enough.
Harrington tees off with Marc Leishmann at 2.10. Dunne is out in the final group with Oosthuizen from 2.30. Let's hope he had a good night's sleep.
Scores are already low in the final round, so the leaders will need their putter to be poker hot.
Hopefully Paul Dunne and Padraig Harrington can put their best clubs forward and grip the nation.
