Queensland’s Michael Wright has taken the outright lead of the 2009 Cellarbrations NSW PGA Championship following an enthralling third round at Wollongong Golf Club today.
Beginning the day at twelve-under, the 35 year-old fired a six-under, 64 to hold a one stroke lead from overnight leader Aaron Townsend.
The pair went birdie for birdie until the 17th hole, before Townsend found trouble in the greenside trap, making bogey and in turn surrendering the lead.
It’s been four years since his last victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia and Wright explained he wasn’t going to put any added pressure on himself leading into the final round tomorrow.
“It is impossible to think you can win every week, so I will just go out there and give myself a chance tomorrow to shoot the lowest score possible.”
“If I win, I win and if I don’t, I don’t. It’s pretty simple”.
28 year-old Townsend will be looking to add the NSW PGA Championship to his resume following his breakthrough victory at the NSW Open twelve months ago.
“We had a great tussle out there today and I am really looking forward to the challenge tomorrow,” Townsend said following his round.
Heading to final stage of the Japanese Qualifying School on Sunday week, Townsend is comfortable were his game is at this week.
“There is no better practice than being in contention and in the final group of a tour event.”
“This is much more exciting than taking a week off to grind it out on the range.”
Victorian Peter Wilson remains in the hunt two strokes back following his third round five-under, 65.
Rookie professional Scott Arnold moved into contention with a sizzling nine-under, 61 to equal the course record set yesterday by fellow New South Welshmen Josh Lane and Aaron Townsend.
Arnold, the former number one ranked amateur before turning pro earlier this year shares fifth position with Victorian Luke Hickmott (66) and well within striking distance in his first professional outing on home soil.
Round four of the 2009 Cellarbrations NSW PGA Championship will tee-off at 7.25am tomorrow with the final trio of Wright, Townsend and Wilson due to start at 11.00am.