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Defending champion Adam Scott has separated himself from the field at Royal Melbourne on Saturday, but not without some heat from behind, as moving day provided an array of highlights ahead of the final round of the Australian Masters.
A host of big names elevated themselves into contention with abundant low rounds during the third round, as large crowds were treated to a high standard of golf on the famous Melbourne Sandbelt.
Scott opened with a birdie but was scratchy for a while, as playing partner Nathan Holman birdied three of his first four holes to take a two shot lead.
Birdies on four of the final five holes of his front nine gave Scott a score of 30 going out, and a three shot margin over Holman, who was stunned to see his early lead evaporate.
Still it was a bright start for the youngster.
“Nathan is a really really good player. I was really impressed with him today,” said Scott of the rookie.
“He hits the ball really nice.”
Playing with the world’s number two player, Holman would’ve been forgiven for being overwhelmed, but the rookie was composed for the majority of the day, firing a one-under 70 to be in a tie for second going into Sunday’s final round.
And the drama doesn’t end there for Holman, who will be paired on the final day with American drawcard and world number eight Matt Kuchar.
Adam Scott’s front nine charge set the tone for a fruitful day that gave him a four shot lead at day’s end, but it could’ve been better, with back-to-back bogeys on 11 and 12 halting his stellar run.
Two more birdies at 15 and 17 pushed him further away from the chasing pack, but it was two clutch up and down par saves at 16 and 18 that really kept them at bay.
“That was huge at 16. It was an important moment,” he said.
“The last few holes were playing tough. The wind was a tough direction on 16 and 18.
“I didn’t hit my crispest iron shots into either, but to save par was huge.”
Going into the final day, Scott just hopes he can remain far enough in front to make it difficult for the others to chase him down.
“Just keep hitting quality shots [tomorrow] and keep giving myself opportunities,” he said.
“I’m giving myself so many opportunities every round.
“If I do that I’m going to make a few of them, and if I make a few of them it’ll be hard for the others to have enough.
“There’s a good score out there, so I’m looking to try post one.”
Many made a charge on moving day, but they’re going to need more than just a ‘few’ birdies on Sunday if they’re to overtake Scott.
The most notable charge came from Fijian Vijay Singh, who fired a scintillating 63 to move into a tie for second at ten-under.
“I played really well,” he said.
“The first nine holes were incredible. I thought I could’ve birdied every hole.
“I didn’t play any different than I did the first two days. I just managed my game much better.”
After a tough start, Matthew Griffin rallied to shoot a 69 to also be tied for second alongside Singh, Holman and playing partner Nick Cullen, who fired a 69.
Matt Kuchar played his way into the third to last group with a 67, while Ryan Fox shot 66 and Brendan de Jonge made five birdies in a round of 68.
Geoff Ogilvy showed signs of a return to form after a rough year on the US PGA Tour, shooting 68 to be three under.