Local amateur Ben Eccles will enter today’s action at the 2015 Oates Victorian Open with confidence after temporarily climbing to the top of last evening’s leaderboard.
“I’m speechless to be honest, I went into the week wanting to be in contention and that’s exactly where I am so I couldn’t be happier,” said Eccles.
“I was thrilled to be up there and to have stuck to my game plan which was to hold a couple of putts.”
The 20-year-old scored 4-under par yesterday, a figure which allowed the Victorian Institute of Sport member to finish equal second on 13-under par; qualifying for today’s final group at the tee.
Eccles can expect many local fans to show their support for his campaign this afternoon including some of his close friends from the Geelong Football Club (AFL).
“Nothing is going to change for me today, I’ve got a game plan and I’ve just got to execute it now.”
The final group features tournament leader Jason Scrivener (WA) on 14-under par while reigning Australian Masters champion Nick Cullen joins Eccles for the second day in a row.
“I had a lot of fun with him yesterday, he’s a real nice guy and he’s really laid back so I think I’ll feed off him today,” revealed Eccles.
Cullen, 29, was also impressed by Eccles, adding to the comments made by a handful of past champions yesterday in reference to the quality of this year’s amateurs.
“The amateurs these days are just ridiculous; they are so ahead of where most of the guys in my time were,” said Cullen.
“He (Cullen) was out of position a couple of times and made some great birdies, it was great to watch him play.”
The trio commenced at 1.20pm today before a large crowd of avid golf enthusiasts.
Eccles meanwhile revealed that he must first fight off his nerves when warming up at midday.
“I don’t think I can do anything about the butterflies (in my stomach), I just have to try and enjoy the experience and have some fun out there,” said Eccles.
By: Alex Tigani (Golf Victoria media)