Baxter heads congested field at QLD Masters
BY iseekgolf.com | Von Nida Tour | 2006 Queensland Masters | Round Three | 21 Oct 2006
Shane Baxter will take a three shot lead into the final round of the Minniecon & Burke Queensland Masters, his third round score of 65 moving him to the top of a tightly congested leaderboard.
Baxter’s seven under par included eight birdies as he forged his way around the wind swept Willows Golf Resort in The Twin Cities town of Thuringowa. He will attempt to take out his first four round title of his short professional career. The left handed golfer from South Australia will have to do it under enormous pressure as he will partner the Von Nida Tour order of merit leader, Marc Leishman, touted by many as the hottest property in the country.
Leishman managed his way around the par 72 layout with enormous ease carding a 4 under par 68. He will attempt to add the Queensland Masters title to a fast expanding resume that already has two Von Nida titles and one international victory.
The pair will not have it all their own way. Snapping at their heels is a group of 4 players including the powerful Steve Jones, who threatened for all four days in Cairns last week at the Carins Classic. Fellow Victorians, Luke Hickmott and Cameron Percy and Queensland talent Rowan Beste will be all looking to bridge a four shot deficit and require a quick start on Sunday.
Victorian Amateur Matt Griffin will look to make the long trip North a worth while one, as he seeks to make his first visit to Queensland a success in pursuit of the leading amateur honours.
Source – PGA Australia
