Green stumbles, Scott within two at Australian Open
IN: News | Australasian PGA | Australian Open (2006) | Round Three | by Bruce Young | 18 Nov 2006
Nathan Green Interview
*Audio by Bruce Young
» Round Three Photo Gallery - 2006 Australian Open
The third round of the MFS Australian Open started with a clear leader and finished that way but there is a lot less clarity than 24 hours ago.
Nathan Green continued on his way today reeling off ten pars and two birdies before reaching the downwind par five thirteenth. A poor drive there led to a double bogey and rather than right the ship at the next he added to his problems with consecutive bogeys at the next two holes and his three shot lead had turned into a share of the lead with Brett Rumford.
"I was pleased with the way I finished off. I had a chance at the 17th but it was a slick little putt and I just pulled it and at the last I made a nice five footer. I wasn't all that concerned with the two bogeys after the double at the 13th as they were tough holes and I hit reasonable shots but I was perhaps a little rattled."
To his credit the 31-year-old bounced back with a birdie at the par five 16th to take the lead again. He managed to par the dangerous par 3 17th hole and went to the 18th hole with a one shot lead over Brett Rumford, who had finished over half an hour earlier at four under, and Gavin Coles who was in the group just ahead. Two important pars to finish saw him retain his lead and he finished a quick press conference before heading for the practice range to work on some problems he clearly had to address before tomorrow's all important final day.
It was a day that had started so well with Greg Norman producing some fireworks to bring back memories of yesteryear. Norman was round in 68 despite a bogey at the last and the large crowd who had gathered to witness Norman playing perhaps his last Australian Open were not disappointed.
As Norman was finishing his round, there were other fireworks taking place early in the front nine as many of those nearer the lead were making their moves. Adam Scott birdied three of his first four holes and the pre tournament favouritism he carried into the event as the number four golfer in the world was looking well and truly justified.
Although unable to maintain the momentum Scott finished with 69 and at three under par he is looking very ominous for those ahead especially if the conditions remain good.
Gavin Coles was caught and passed by several before he even teed off but he would have his chance and took it. He reached the turn in three and stood at four under. A bogey at the 10th took his momentum somewhat but he added another birdie at the 12th and although unable to birdie either of the two par fives he is just one behind.
Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby and Richard Green remain in touch at two under and just three back while the struggles Nathan Green suffered in the middle of his back nine have created possibilities for several others as far back as perhaps one over.
John Senden produced the best round of the day, his 67 moving him from obscurity to contention at one under and within four. He had started the day ten back.
Peter Lonard, Aaron Baddeley, Nick O'Hern and Peter O'Malley are just five back of the lead and are certainly not out of it either.
Tomorrow looms as a great day in Australian Open golf.
Photo - Anthony Powter
