Simon Thornton tees off on the first in Saturday’s third round. Picture: Eoin Clarke www.golffile.ieSimon Thornton’s more professional attitude to the game has paid off over the past six minths and a second win of the season in the Portugal Masters at Vilamoura on Sunday would catapult him into the big time and earn him a place in the HSBC Champions.

Paul McGinley hugs Scott Jamieson following his singles win on the final day of the 2011 Seve Trophy. Picture Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.iePádraig Harrington believes Paul McGinley will spend the next 18 months scribbling in his little black book and trying to get to know every rookie on tour. But the new Ryder Cup skipper won’t have to dig too deep into his notes when it comes to world No 72 Scott Jamieson.

Louis Oosthuizen moved to a career high of world No 4 thanks to his win in the 2012 Volvo Golf Champions. Picture courtesy of Getty ImagesPadraig Harrington roared back into the world’s Top-50 after an 18-month absence but is was his putting that pleased him most as he captured fourth place in the Volvo Golf Champions.

Pádraig Harrington is thinking beyond the world’s top 50 but getting back there would be a positive step for the Dubliner after spending the past 18 months outside the game’s top ranked players. Picture by Getty ImagesStarting 2013 with a win might be a big ask but Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry could be in the world’s Top 50 tomorrow night following hot finishes to their third rounds in the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa.

Eddie Jordan and Dermot Desmond look on as Paul McGinley pulls on a Celtic jersey.Rangers fan Scott Jamieson must have wondered if someone was playing a bad joke on him when he saw the draw for the Avantha Masters in New Delhi.