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It sounds like a big call, but the 35-year-old Matt Jones has one hand on the coveted Stonehaven Cup. World number one and defending champion Jordan Spieth is the chaser, three shots adrift on this final day.
It’s fitting they will be in the final pairing in a virtual matchplay situation.
It’s also realistic only Jones or Spieth can win, with the closest contenders Rhein Gibson five off Jones’ pace, Aron Price and Lincoln Tighe six adrift, with Geoff Ogilvy seven.
In what has been a rugged three days, testing patience and precision to the extent just 10 golfers are in the red, the Australian course and Mother Nature have been a demanding combination, with only Jones breaking 70 every round.
Jones has also been more consistent with 16 birdies and just six bogeys compared to Spieth’s eagle, 14 birdies, and nine bogeys.
And there’s nothing between them with the flat stick – Jones with 76 putts, Spieth with 75 and that odd putt can be explained by Spieth holing his approach on the 17th yesterday for his eagle.
Where Spieth’s strength lies in this head-to-head today is his pure natural ability that has captured the sporting world’s admiration and respect.
At 22, he’s phenomenal.
In just three years he’s banked $20.43 million on-course alone, and that doesn’t include the $10 million pay-day winning the FedExCup.
Jones in nine years has banked $9.26 million.
This year Spieth has won the US Masters and US Open, missed the British Open play-off by a shot, and finished second to Jason Day at the PGA Championship among his five wins, four seconds, and 15 top 10s from 25 starts.
So this will be a fascinating battle between the undisputed best golfer in the world, and his great mate who is on the brink of making a career-defining move.
Jones won’t choke, and because he’s in the perfect position to see how his only real rival is playing he can pace himself. There’s nothing worse hearing the roars of approval for a contender coming from in front and out of sight.
Apart from Jones’ consistency, it’s great for Australian golf that Gibson, Price and Tighe have come of age and are well placed on the leaderboard.
Seeing all three are inexperienced, yet have done so well under torrid conditions, this Australian Open will do wonders for their careers and confidence.
Gibson’s ranked 343rd in the world, Price 533, and Tighe 1022 – but not for long.
On those rankings you wouldn’t expect them to be anywhere near contention, but they are there and have earned their stripes.
Not that it’s required, but there’s a big additional incentive to finish in the top three today where automatic qualification for next year’s British Open awaits the top three.
Jordan Spieth has obviously qualified, so Jones, Gibson, Price, Tighe, Ogilvy and others will have their sights firmly set on Royal Troon.
Leaderboard after 54 holes
10-under – Matt Jones 67 68 68
7-under – Jordan Spieth 71 68 67
5-under – Rhein Gibson 72 68 68
4-under – Aron Price 71 68 70, Lincoln Tighe 68 73 70
3-under – Geoff Ogilvy 68 71 71