Lanarkshire golfer Paul O’Hara reckons he is ready to capture the national professional championship after suffering amateur agony on three occasions.

The 30-year-old was heading into today’s closing round of the M&H Logistics Scottish PGA Championship in a share of the lead with Gareth Wright as the pace-setting duo both finished locked on 13-under aggregates.

O’Hara suffered a trio of Scottish Amateur Championship disappointments during his time in the unpaid ranks when he lost three finals in five years.

And the Motherwell ace is determined to go one better in the professional scene and land one of Scotland’s most prized pieces of silverware.

O’Hara said: “I’m a much better player now than I was when I was turning pro. My putting, my driving, my iron play, my confidence; everything has improved.

“This would be the biggest win of my career and having won plenty of events on the Tartan Tour I know what it’s all about to be in this position.”

While Wright cemented his place at the top with a 68, O’Hara made a telling move as he barged his way into a tie for the lead with a fine 66 for a total of 200.

He added: “It was another pretty steady round. I’ve just been doing the basics well this week. Hitting fairways and greens and taking the chance when they come along.”

Wright, suffering with flu-like symptoms, had threatened to run away with the bounty having opened up a five-shot lead during round one with a sparkling 62 but 72-hole titles are never decided on the first day.

He said: “Yes, it was a low score but all you are trying to do on the first day is give yourself a chance of being up there on the final day. I’ve been steady since then and I’m still in that position to win.”

Renfrewshire’s Sam Binning was still in the hunt on 204 after a 68 while Bishopbriggs veteran Robert Arnott, 53, jumped up to the fringes of the top-10 with a best-of-the-day 64 for a 210 total.