Jason Scrivener will take a one shot lead into the Oates Vic Open being played at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links.
Scrivener went quietly about business today, but a birdie to close his 4-under 68 round, ensures his place at the top of the leaderboard on 14-under the card.
“I played well on the back 9 and it was a nice way to finish,” said Scrivener.
“I had a good chance (eagle) on the last that would have been nice to go in, but I’m happy with the round.”
With a slow start to the day, the European Tour rookie believes the hour weather delay worked to his advantage.
“It was very scrappy the first nine holes, I was just grinding it out,” added Scrivener.
“I think the delay really helped me as well, I res-set, hit a few ball and make a few putts.”
“It’s always nice to be on top, this is the first time I have gone into the last round with the lead, I am really looking forward to the challenege.”
Tomorrow Scrivener will play alongside Australian Masters champion Nick Cullen and local amateur Ben Eccles who are tied on 13-under the card.
20-year-old Eccles is ecstatic with his position heading into the weekend and playing with Cullen for a second day.
“I’m speechless to be honest. I went into the week wanting to be in contention and that’s exactly where I am – I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait for tomorrow,” said Eccles.
“Great pairing for me and he’s obviously been in that situation before, so I think I’ll feed off him a fair bit tomorrow.”
“I can’t do anything about the butterflies (tomorrow), but just enjoy the experience and have some fun out there.”
While Cullen was flattered by the admiration of Eccles he talked down the advantage of his Australian Masters title.
“I don’t know what they are thinking but it’s always good to win a big event and be looked up to by certain guys,” said Cullen.
“Knowing you can win big events and knowing you have definitely helps.”
“I guess those guys (amateurs) haven’t experienced that in Professional events yet but it’s going to happen at some time because they are all going to win.”
Sitting outright fourth on the leaderboard and posting the round of the day was another Victorian amateur Ryan Ruffles.
He played alongside Richard Green and Scott Arnold who are tied 5th with four other players.
The trio fired a combined 16-under the card in the third round and will play together again in the tomorrow.
The final round of the Oates Vic Open tees off at 7.10am with the leaders on course at 1.20pm
By: PGA of Australia