So much on the line and so many players within touching distance of history – welcome to the final day of the Emirates Australian Open.
Greg Chalmers is eyeing a rare slice of history, the possibility of joining golfing royalty Peter Thomson and Norman Von Nida as a three-time winner of the national title as he tees off in the final group today.
But in that last match is not only fellow West Australian ace Brett Rumford, but American world No.14 Jordan Spieth who has taken all before him in three seasons on the US PGA Tour and is eager to add international glory to his burgeoning resume.
But lurking right behind is a pair of Queenslanders who surged through the field after disappointing first rounds.
Rod Pampling, a former world No.22 and Australian Masters champ is off in the second-last pairing alongside world No.3 and 2009 Australian Open champ Adam Scott, still the favourite with bookmakers given his putter has given him precious little love in the first three rounds.
Scott has the added incentive of making up for last year’s near miss when he was over-run on the final day by now world No.1 Rory McIlroy, who has just begun his final round with a mountain to climb from six shots in arrears.
The wildcard is long-hitting amateur Todd Sinnott, who has come of age in the past fortnight with big-name playing partners in key groups. The Victorian youngster is just three from the lead and will play alongside Scott and Pampling.
And don’t forget, there’s the not-so-small matter of Open Championship entries on the line; the first three players on the final leaderboard not already exempt earn a berth at St Andrew’s next July, meaning every shot will be vital throughout what shapes as a riveting closing round at The Australian Golf Club.
Follow all the action as it unfolds at www.ausopengolf.com, tune into Channel 7 to watch, or listen live to the AO Radio broadcast that is taking the Emirates Australian Open to places it has never been at www.ausopengolf.com/australian-open-radio or streaming on the official tournament app from midday.
The final round draw is at: www.ausopengolf.com/tee-times
The full scoreboard is at: www.ausopengolf.com/scores
For round three’s video highlights, see: www.ausopengolf.com/news-display/83986
See www.ausopengolf.com for more stories on the opening three days, and today’s final round as it unfolds.
The Emirates Australian Open is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia, a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours, and the OneAsia tour. A flagship tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Emirates Australian Open winner will receive a minimum of 32 Official World Golf Rankings points.
The 2014 Emirates Australian Open will be played at The Australian Golf Club from November 27-30.
The event will be telecast for all four days on Channel 7.
Website: www.ausopengolf.com.au
Twitter: @ausopengolf #ausopengolf
Please contact me if you have any additional questions.