The gate is open at the Proton NSW Open

BY Anthony Powter | Von Nida Tour | 2005 New South Wales Open | Round Three | 19 Nov 2005

With four players within three of the lead as the final day descends at the Proton NSW Open, the final day is likely to turn into a grip and rip event as the big hitters Brad McIntosh, Adam Bland and Nationwide Tour player Cameron Percy go after leader Michael Wright.

Wright produced another solid display of golf as he carded a solid 68, his 3rd score in the 60’s. Conditions were more favourable than yesterday and the course record was in jeopardy as Shannon Jones and local amateur and State representative Tristan Lambert equalled the record carding 63’s a piece.

There is no doubt Wright has his sights set on the tournament and the top money spot with current money leader Tony McFadyean not making the weekend.

The final group will consist of Wright, US Nationwide Tour player Cameron Percy and local hero Brad McIntosh. Percy elevated himself into the final group by way of a birdie on the final hole.

Like many others the final event on the Von Nida Tour the NSW Open presents another challenge. Percy presently sits on the fringe of the top ten Von Nida money earners at 12th and solid finish tomorrow will elevate him up the Order of Merit and secure starts later on the Australasian Tour.

“I really have to get into the co-sanction NationWide Tour events that are in Adelaide and New Zealand this summer. My whole goal and focus is to get into the top ten on the Von Nida Order of Merit so I can get into those events and go to the Nationwide Tour with a start.

“I have conditional status there and a good start in these Australian events sets you up well when you get to the US. Do that and you have a good chance to get inside the top 20 and your USPGA Tour Card. That is my focus at the moment.”

“If I do well tomorrow then I will probably get into the top ten,” said Percy following a 66, to sit two behind the leader Wright.

Position on the Von Nida Money list appears to be the main focus this weekend for most players.

Wright’s fortune cookie insert when he last had Chinese must have said “It will be your week soon”. Coming into the NSW Open Wright sat in 10th position on the Von Nida money list – now he has the opportunity to go further and with a win tomorrow take the number one position. What a break that would be for the former Von Nida winner.

When Wright won at the Toyota Southern Classic earlier in March this year he remarked in understated way “This is the first big thing I’ve won. I’ve never won anything before!”.

You sense from Wright’s current form, his fortune has changed and with current money leader Tony McFadyean not making the cut this week, the gate is open and those within the top ten on the money list, including Wright have bolted.

Wright will have to watch out as local favourite Brad McIntosh also has the sniff for the top spot.

“I’m not going to hold back tomorrow and you can bet my driver will be out in force. I want to attack the pin with my short irons. That’s being my approach all week at Liverpool. If I am going to have a chance to take the title, I have to attack the course as there are too many others out there who will pass you by otherwise.”

Brad shot a 66 for his third round and sits with Adam Bland at three behind Wright.

The beauty about Von Nida events is that crowd participation is encouraged as spectators and players exchange comments with shots and get up close to the players. All enjoy it and it’s a pleasing chance to the formality of Majors where even a crack of a stick will send a player troppo.

It has been a great week at Liverpool. The fans have been given a taste of the talent playing the Australian Von Nida Tour. It is exciting times with the depth of what is out there. We are in for finish to the season ender which is up for grabs as well as the Order of Merit and that is good for Aussie golf.

Should Bland, McIntosh or Wright be holding the championship trophy tomorrow, not only will they be holding the same trophy that Greg Norman, Peter Lonard, Peter Thompson. Norman Von Nida and Craig Parry have done before, they will top the Von Nida money list; and what a start that will be for them.

Photo – Anthony Powter