Young New South Wales professional Travis Smyth has put himself in contention for his biggest win as a pro on the Asian Tour’s Shinhan Dongae Open in South Korea.
Smyth, 23, in his first year on the Asian Tour, sits just three shots from the lead in fourth place behind Sanghyun Park of South Korea after three rounds of the $US1 million tournament near Incheon.
The former captain of New South Wales amateur teams and 2015 Riversdale Cup winner jumped the outright lead in the tournament early on the back nine before two bogeys saw him slip back, but he still has a great chance to secure his card tomorrow. He closed with a 67 to be 11-under par overall.
Smyth, who won the Northern Territory PGA Championship last year as an amateur, has won $US 35,000 in 11 events in his rookie year in Asia. He is a member of Golf Australia's rookie squad of talented young professionals out on tour.
It’s been an exciting week for young Australian talent, with amateur Min Woo Lee carding a second consecutive brilliant round to move within sight of the top 10, playing on a sponsor’s invitation.
Perth’s Lee followed up Friday’s 66 with a 67 and sits in a tie for 12th.
The 20-year-old, who won the US junior championship in 2016 and is one of the top-ranked amateurs in the world.