David Micheluzzi stands on the brink of his biggest victory after dismantling Royal Melbourne’s East Course in the third round of the Australian Master of the Amateurs.
The Melburnian, who broke through for victory in the Victorian Amateur late last year, carded a sparkling six-under 65 to scythe through the field and take a one-shot buffer into today’s final round.
But his wasn’t the only 65 with Japanese teenager Yuka Yasuda taking a stranglehold on the inaugural women’s AMOTA crown with a matching score – a women’s record on the venerable course.
Remarkably, Yasuda, just 17, was 13 shots better than her opening 78 to charge back to a one-over-par total and a six-shot edge.
American-based Aussies Julienne Soo (VIC) and Robyn Choi (QLD) share second at seven over, but both will need something special to run down Yasuda in the final round.
Micheluzzi’s task is still very much ahead of him, though, with fellow Victorian Darcy Brereton just one off the pace at six under.
Brereton, a member at Royal Melbourne, had led for two and a half rounds until three back-nine bogeys enabled the red-hot Micheluzzi, 21, to steam past with four late birdies.
Another steady 69 from 16-year-old American Canon Claycomb left him at four under, while three of his countrymen are the only other players under par.
The final round will be played today.