Big-hitting Queenslander Kade McBride is on the cusp of the biggest win of his career, taking a two-shot lead into the back nine of the PLAY TODAY NSW Open.
The 28-year-old is even for his final round with the challenge coming from Victorian David Micheluzzi (-17), with a swag of contenders making their move.
The clubhouse leader is fellow Queenslander Lawry Flynn after his blemish-free eight-under final round to be at -15 for the championship.
Amateur Jayden Ford is also at -15 with his round at -5, five shots clear of Mastersbound Harrison Crowe who is at -10.
Other strong rounds includes Jordan Zunic (-5 today and -15 overall) as the focus turns to the back nine.
12.45: Leaders Away, All Eyes on the Kel Nagle Cup
The final group is on the course and underway in the final round of the PLAY TODAY NSW Open in the hunt for the prestigious Kel Nagle Cup.
The winner of this event earns double points in the Australasian Order of Merit and it could go a long way in securing lucrative cards on the D World Tour for 2024.
Everyone in chasing Queenslander Kade McBride who starts his final round with a three-shot lead, but has some serious talent lurking within striking distance.
Of the earlier starters, West Australian Hayden Hopewell has the round of the day so far, six-under today and -12 overall, while Lawry Flynn is five-under through 12 to be at -12 for the championship.
Masters-bound amateur Harrison Crowe is four-under through 12 to be at -9 overall.
Check out our livestream at www.playtoday.cc for all the action this afternoon, or stay tuned on our website and socials for updates andinformation.
8.30am: FINAL PUSH: WHO’S LIFTING THE KEL NAGLE CUP?
Kade McBride wakes up this morning with the best chance in his career to win the PLAY TODAY NSW Open at Rich River Golf Club.
The Queenslander holds a three-shot lead with only another solid 18 holes between him and the historic silverware, won previously by the who’s who of Australian golf.
Chasing is the Sydneysider John Lyras who predicted his score of 63 yesterday and is in brilliant form, whilst Victorian Tom Power Horan is a threat and if he has a low round in him today is the day.
The battle for best amateur is also super close. Christopher Fan (-11) leads by a single shot from Jayden Ford in what shapes up as a classic finish.
McBride’s room-mate and former Open winner Jake McLeod (2018) will have his work cut out to run down McBride’s lead – he’s seven back at -12 – but from the scoring we’ve seen this week anything is possible.
The forecast today is for light winds and a top temperature of 30 degrees, much cooler than yesterday and a perfect stage for an Open showdown.
Join us for rolling coverage and social media updates throughout the day, or visit www.playtoday.cc to watch all the action live from midday.
