(CNN) -- Northern Ireland's incredible golfing year continued on Saturday as Michael Hoey remained ahead of his more heralded compatriots at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. The 32-year-old will take a three-shot lead from 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell as he seeks the biggest win of his career, and third European Tour title overall in the pro-am event played over three seaside courses. Ranked 271st in the world, he completed his third successive round of 66, this time at the tough Carnoustie course, to be on 18-under-par 198 and in pole position for the $785,000 first prize.
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Northerhn Irish golfer Michael Hoey moves three shots clear at Alfred Dunhill Links
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World No. 271 cards his third successive 66 in European Tour event in Scotland
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Compatriot Graeme McDowell is second going into Sunday's final round
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Fellow countryman Rory McIlroy is also in contention tied for fourth
"@placeholder has always been a very talented player," McDowell said.